Court Allows Lawsuit Alleging Apple’s AirTags Enable Stalking, Posing Legal Challenge
Apple Accused of Negligence in AirTag Release Amidst Surveillance Concerns
In a significant legal development, Apple Inc. faced a setback as it lost its bid to dismiss a lawsuit alleging that its AirTag devices facilitate stalking activities. US District Judge Vince Chhabria, presiding in San Francisco, delivered the ruling on Friday, determining that three plaintiffs in the class-action suit had presented sufficient claims for negligence and product liability. However, Judge Chhabria dismissed other claims put forth by the plaintiffs, marking a partial victory for Apple in the ongoing legal battle.
The lawsuit, filed by about three dozen individuals, accuses Apple of negligently releasing the AirTag despite being warned of the potential risks associated with the product. The plaintiffs contend that Apple can be held legally accountable under California law when AirTag tracking devices are misused for nefarious purposes, such as stalking and harassment.
In the claims that survived the dismissal, the plaintiffs argue that they were subjected to stalking incidents where the purported safety features of the AirTag failed to provide adequate protection. Judge Chhabria noted in his ruling that the plaintiffs assert the existence of substantial safety defects in the AirTag, which directly contributed to the injuries they suffered as a result of being stalked.
While Apple has faced legal challenges in the past, the ruling represents a significant development in the ongoing debate surrounding privacy and safety concerns associated with AirTag devices. As the lawsuit progresses, it is expected to shed further light on the responsibilities of technology companies in addressing potential misuse of their products and the legal ramifications thereof.
Apple has yet to publicly comment on the ruling or provide insights into its legal strategy moving forward. However, the company is likely to continue vigorously defending itself against the allegations levied in the lawsuit as it seeks to navigate the complex legal landscape surrounding its AirTag devices. As the case unfolds, stakeholders will be closely monitoring developments for potential implications on consumer privacy, product liability, and corporate responsibility in the tech industry.
Apple Inc. lost a bid to dismiss a lawsuit alleging that its AirTag devices help stalkers track their victims. US District Judge Vince Chhabria in San Francisco ruled Friday that three plaintiffs in the class-action suit had made sufficient claims for negligence and product liability, though he dismissed the others.
About three dozen women and men who filed the suit alleged that Apple was warned of the risks posed by its AirTags and argued the company could be legally blamed under California law when the tracking devices are used for misconduct. In the three claims that survived, the plaintiffs “allege that, when they were stalked, the problems with the AirTag’s safety features were substantial, and that those safety defects caused their injuries,” Chhabria wrote.
