Current:Home > ContactJudge denies Apple’s attempt to dismiss a class-action lawsuit over AirTag stalking -PrimeWealth Guides
Judge denies Apple’s attempt to dismiss a class-action lawsuit over AirTag stalking
View
Date:2025-04-19 17:45:57
NEW YORK (AP) — A judge has denied Apple’s motion to dismiss a class-action lawsuit claiming that stalkers are using its AirTag devices to track victims — and that the tech giant hasn’t done enough to prevent them.
Apple’s $29 AirTags have become popular items since their 2021 release, helping users keep tabs on the location of anything from their lost keys to wallets and luggage. But stalkers have also taken advantage of AirTags and similar products to follow individuals without their consent.
In December 2022, Apple was sued by dozens of plaintiffs who said they were stalked by AirTag users. They alleged that Apple failed to mitigate such dangers and should have done more to protect victims — claiming AirTags “revolutionized the scope, breadth, and ease of location-based stalking” and that current safety features are inadequate.
Apple attempted to dismiss the litigation in a filing last year, arguing the company “took proactive steps to try to deter misuse” and that it should not bear liability for injuries caused by third parties. But San Francisco-based U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria dismissed that motion on Friday.
Chhabria ruled that, while most of the class-action plaintiffs’ claims were “inadequately pled,” three can proceed for negligence and strict product liability under California law. The remaining claims were dismissed in a separate order.
“Apple may ultimately be right that California law did not require it to do more to diminish the ability of stalkers to use AirTags effectively, but that determination cannot be made at this early stage,” Chhabria wrote.
Chhabria detailed arguments from both Apple and the plaintiffs in the ruling. Included were accounts from the three remaining claims of victims being stalked by former partners or others through AirTags that were allegedly attached to their cars, resulting in emotional and sometimes financial harm.
All three of these cases involve “purported defects” of AirTags that made it harder for the victims to both understand the tracking and quickly stop it, Friday’s ruling outlines, including unclear or delayed notifications, as well as an inability to disable the devices remotely, which allegedly prolonged stalking.
“We’re grateful for the opportunity to continue this critical litigation,” Gillian L. Wade, an attorney representing the plaintiffs, told The Associated Press via email. “Abusive and dangerous location tracking is only becoming more common, so it’s imperative to do everything we can to give voice to the victims, and to push for accountability and change.”
Apple and attorneys representing the California-based company did not immediately respond to requests for comment Tuesday.
Back in February 2022, months ahead of the class action filing, Apple released a statement that said it “condemn(s) in the strongest possible terms any malicious use of our products.” It also noted then-planned updates aimed at increasing safety.
Last year, Apple also partnered with Google to submit a proposal aimed at setting standards for combatting secret surveillance on AirTags and similar gadgets.
veryGood! (746)
Related
- The city of Chicago is ordered to pay nearly $80M for a police chase that killed a 10
- Melania Trump releases statement after Trump assassination attempt: A monster ... attempted to ring out Donald's passion
- Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte Ace Wimbledon 2024 During Rare Public Outing
- Bubba, a 375-pound sea turtle found wounded in Florida, released into Atlantic Ocean
- How to watch new prequel series 'Dexter: Original Sin': Premiere date, cast, streaming
- Jennie Garth Details Truth of Real Friendship With Shannen Doherty After 90210 Costar's Death
- Days after Beryl, oppressive heat and no power for more than 500k in Texas
- World population projected to peak at 10.3 billion in 2080s, new United Nations report says
- Are Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp down? Meta says most issues resolved after outages
- USWNT looked like a completely different team in win against Mexico. That's a good thing.
Ranking
- Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
- Morgan Wallen reschedules Tampa, Charlotte concerts due to illness: See new dates
- 'Dr. Ruth' was more than a sex therapist: How her impact spans generations
- Shots fired at Trump rally: Trump opponents and allies condemn violence
- The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees
- Meta ends restrictions on Trump's Facebook, Instagram accounts ahead of GOP convention
- I didn't think country music was meant for Black women like me. Then came Beyoncé.
- Carlos Alcaraz should make Novak Djokovic a bit nervous about his Grand Slam record
Recommendation
A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
Mark Harmon reveals secret swooning over new Gibbs, 'NCIS: Origins' star Austin Stowell
Inside Scattergood, the oldest structure on the CIA's campus
Angels pitcher Ben Joyce throws fastest pitch of 2024 MLB season at 104.5 mph
Charges tied to China weigh on GM in Q4, but profit and revenue top expectations
All-Star Jalen Brunson takes less money with new contract to bolster New York Knicks
MLB draft prospects with famous bloodlines carry weight of monster expectations
Jennifer Lopez Shares Rare Glimpse Into Bond With Ben Affleck's Daughter Violet