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Physical Trackers

3 types of trackers on green and orange backgrounds

Physical Trackers

Physical location trackers can also be easily slipped surreptitiously into a bag or car, allowing stalkers and abusers unprecedented access to a person’s location without their knowledge. At EFF, we have been sounding the alarm about this threat to people, especially survivors of domestic abuse. These physical trackers encompass a spectrum of technologies, including Bluetooth and GPS, harnessed by a variety of well-known manufacturers. Notable among these are the likes of AirTags and Tiles, exemplifying Bluetooth-enabled location trackers, while more insidious options also exist, such as GPS devices discreetly affixed to vehicles without the owner's consent. This realm of technology remains an ongoing concern, and at EFF, we steadfastly champion the elevation of the right to privacy and the safeguarding of individuals, valuing these principles over mere property loss.

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EFF Related Content: Physical Trackers

Deeplinks Blog byAlexis Hancock, Eva Galperin | August 14, 2023

The Industry Discussion About Standards For Bluetooth-Enabled Physical Trackers Is Finally Getting Started

Bluetooth-enabled location trackers such as Tiles and AirTags aren’t just a helpful way to find missing luggage or a misplaced wallet—they can also be easily slipped surreptitiously into a bag or car, allowing stalkers and abusers unprecedented access to a person’s location without their knowledge. At EFF, we have been... ●Read more about The Industry Discussion About Standards For Bluetooth-Enabled Physical Trackers Is Finally Getting Started

Deeplinks Blog byAlexis Hancock, Jon Callas | May 18, 2023

Victory! Apple and Google Collaborate on Detecting Unwanted Location Trackers

Location trackers like Tiles and AirTags aren’t just a helpful way to find missing luggage or a misplaced wallet—they can also be easily slipped into a bag or car, allowing stalkers and abusers unprecedented access to a person’s location without their knowledge. That’s why we are enthusiastic about ... ●Read more about Victory! Apple and Google Collaborate on Detecting Unwanted Location Trackers

Deeplinks Blog byCooper Quintin | March 28, 2022

An EFF Investigation: Mystery GPS Tracker On A Supporter’s Car

●Español Being able to accurately determine your location anywhere on the planet is a useful technological trick. But when tracking isn’t done by you, but toyou—without your knowledge or consent—it’s a violation of your privacy. That’s why at EFF we’ve long fought against dragnet surveillance, mobile device tracking,... ●Read more about An EFF Investigation: Mystery GPS Tracker On A Supporter’s Car

Deeplinks Blog byKaren Gullo, Eva Galperin | December 15, 2021

Apple’s Android App to Scan for AirTags is a Necessary Step Forward, But More Anti-Stalking Mitigations Are Needed

This post has been updated to say that Tracker Detect is available internationally.We’re pleased to see Apple has come out with an Android app called Tracker Detect that addresses some of the serious threats to privacy and safety we identified with Apple AirTags when they debuted. Quarter-sized Bluetooth-enabled... ●Read more about Apple’s Android App to Scan for AirTags is a Necessary Step Forward, But More Anti-Stalking Mitigations Are Needed Back to top

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