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Stalking Via Apple's AirTags Could Soon Become A Criminal Offense In This US State

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Stalking Via Apple's AirTags Could Soon Become A Criminal Offense In This US State

It could soon become a criminal offense in Ohio to stalk someone with Apple Inc’s (NASDAQ: AAPLAirTag.

What Happened: A bill seeking to criminalize tracking people with electronic tags without consent has been moved to the Ohio House, according to an Apple Insider report.

Ohio House Bill 672 was introduced on Friday by Rep. Thomas Patton (R) and Rep. Emilia Strong Sykes (D).

“No person shall knowingly install a tracking device or tracking application on another person's property without the other person's consent,” the bill reads.

See Also: How To Buy Apple (AAPL) Shares

Why It Matters: A recent report indicated that AirTags are being widely used for harassment and stalking purposes, particularly against women. 

The Tim Cook-led company introduced alerts to discourage unwanted tracking a year after AirTags were introduced.

It has also been reported that AirTags are giving users false alarms about being tracked in some instances.

3News, an Ohio based-media organization, investigated loopholes in state law that would allow stalkers to track their victims without potentially facing any penalty. 

While 19 states have specific laws against electronic tracking, Ohio isn’t one of them, according to a report

3News then lobbied local legislators to bring about bipartisan legislation to ensure protection against such tracking.

Price Action: On Friday, Apple shares closed 3.2% higher at $147.11 in the regular session, according to data from Benzinga Pro.

Read Next: If Steve Jobs Had His Way, iPhone Won't Have A SIM Card Slot

 

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Posted-In: AirTags Consumer Tech OhioGovernment News Regulations Tech Media Best of Benzinga

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