Accompanied by new and robust terms of service, Anti-Theft Mode renders your Bluetooth tracker invisible to stalkers.<\/b>
\nBluetooth tracker company Tile is launching a new security measure that will, it promises,\u00a0render its devices effectively invisible to stalkers, thieves, and any other bad actors.\u00a0
Called Anti-Theft Mode (opens in new tab), it works by making the company\u2019s trackers \u201cundetectable by Scan and Secure\u201d, a feature on Tile\u2019s own app that allows iOS and Android users to \u201cdetect nearby Tiles\u201d. With this new mode, the only person who knows where their device is at all times is the Tile owner.\u00a0
Scan and Secure was originally supposed to help people find lost or misplaced items. But then people began misusing other Bluetooth trackers, like Apple AirTags, to stalk people. So Tile created the feature in response to the misuse as well as a recent uptick in robbery rates. The idea behind the latter is you\u2019ll be able to more easily \u201crecover stolen valuables by making it harder for thieves to know an item is being tracked\u201d, according to the announcement.
Rollout of Anti-Theft Mode begins today and will be available to all users within the coming weeks. However to use the feature, you\u2019ll have to go through a rather rigorous verification process.
Prior to activating Anti-Theft Mode, Tile will ask users to register a government-issued ID to their account and submit a biometric scan to confirm their identity. Users will also have to accept the new terms of service allowing the company to give up their information to authorities if they\u2019re caught misusing the trackers for stalking. This is done at Tile\u2019s discretion as it will help with any ongoing investigations, all without a subpoena. On top of that, the company states it will fine people convicted of using its trackers to stalk people $1 million.
Tile is taking a pretty aggressive approach in making sure no one misuses its trackers for nefarious means. The company states it is taking \u201ca highly collaborative stance with law enforcement\u201d and is adopting these proactive measures as a way to deter bad actors. It even criticizes Apple\u2019s recent anti-stalking update for its AirTags by calling it \u201cinsufficient for victim protection.\u00a0\u00bb For those who don’t know, \u00a0iPhones will send out a notification telling users if an unknown AirTag has been detected on their person. The AirTag will also begin to emit a loud noise so you can find it.
We have many questions regarding Anti-Theft Mode.\u00a0
As TechCrunch points out (opens in new tab), Tile\u2019s \u201chighly collaborative\u201d position with authorities is pretty questionable. It\u2019s unknown if the company will be fully adhering to due process. It is, after all, willing to give up user information to the police without a subpoena or even a court order. Also, how can it \u201cfine\u201d a convicted individual $1 million, and why that amount? We assume this is a lawsuit of sorts and not a literal fine from the government.
It’s understandable why Tile would want to protect its user base, but suing people $1 million for breaking the terms of service is a little extreme. We reached out to a company representative for clarification on these two questions and more. This story will be updated at a later time if we hear back.
If you\u2019re in the market for cybersecurity services with a less aggressive approach, be sure to check out TechRadar\u2019s list of the best privacy tools for 2023.<\/p>\n