Viral TikTok Trends Promote “Undetectable” GPS Trackers, Yet Apple’s Find My Features Reveal Risks of Stalking Allegations

TikTok is once again in the spotlight, but this time, the focus shifts away from dance challenges and viral trends to a far more concerning issue. The platform’s Shop feature has become the host of numerous viral videos promoting small GPS tracking devices. These items are marketed as a subtle and “undetectable” means of surveillance, allowing users to monitor individuals without their knowledge or consent. Alarmingly, one such video has amassed over 5 million views, contributing to the sale of more than 100, 000 tracking units.

The Reality Behind TikTok’s “Undetectable”GPS Trackers

This emergent trend raises significant concerns regarding safety, accountability, and the responsibility of social media platforms in curbing the distribution of such potentially harmful tools. The promotional materials for these trackers make bold assertions, claiming that they differ from Apple’s AirTags by being silent and invisible. Advocates of the product suggest that it can easily be concealed beneath car seats or attached to vehicles’ undercarriages. With its own SIM card but lacking Bluetooth or WiFi connectivity, the device is marketed as a tool for real-time tracking anywhere, at any time.

However, the marketing of these trackers as undetectable is misleading. Despite being promoted in a way that suggests they are stealthy, they are actually certified as Find My accessories by Apple. This implies that Apple’s inherent protections apply, but customers do not receive alerts or audible notifications on Apple or certain Android devices when the tracker is in unauthorized possession. Customer feedback suggests that the advertised claims are exaggerated, as evidenced by numerous one-star reviews highlighting dissatisfaction and raising doubts about the validity of the sellers’ claims regarding the anti-Find My features.

From a legal and ethical perspective, using such trackers to monitor individuals without their consent can lead to criminal charges in numerous jurisdictions. Apple’s guidelines firmly state that Find My accessories “should not be used to track people, and should not be used to track property that does not belong to you.” It is disheartening to witness how these promotional videos simplify a serious message into mere sales tactics.

Furthermore, TikTok itself has community guidelines that prohibit the promotion of illegal activities. Despite this, many of the concerning videos promoting these tracking devices remain accessible. While some have been removed following reports from media outlets like 404 Media, numerous others continue to circulate on the platform. We will provide updates as this situation evolves, so please stay tuned for further information.

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