Tile has launch a new feature, called Anti-Theft Mode, for all its Bluetooth-enabled tracking devices. This feature is designed to allow users to track their devices while remaining “under the radar”, so to speak — so that thieves carrying your stolen items go unnoticed you are on them.
The new anti-theft mode is the latest development in the ongoing discussion about abuse of Bluetooth trackers. Thanks to trackers like Tile devices and Apple’s AirTags, finding a lost item is easier than ever. However, the devices also make it easily related to spy on someone without their consent.
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About a year ago, Tile introduced a feature called Scan and Security, which gives users the ability to find out if a Tile or Tile-enabled device is traveling with them. The app feature is Tile’s first anti-tracking product.
New Anti-Theft mode makes Tile trackers undetectable by Scan and Security.
Enabling Anti-Theft Mode “makes it easier to recover stolen valuables by making it harder for thieves to know an item is being tracked,” Tile said in its release, while also taking survey statistics on increased rates of theft and robbery.
So, how does Tile ensure that Anti-Theft Mode is not used by stalkers? To enable this feature, users must go through a rigorous verification process that includes biometric scanning to ensure you are not using a fake ID. Once your ID is verified and you are a registered Anti-Theft Mode user, the feature will be activated on your Tile tracker.
“Anonymity is directly linked to abuse both in person and onlinee,” the company asserts, citing research promoted by the Society for Psychological Science. “Tile is eliminating anonymity and bringing the latest in ID verification technology to its Anti-Theft Mode product.”
Additionally, Tile will impose a $1 million fine on anyone found guilty of illegally tracking a person with a Tile device. The company also said it “takes a highly cooperative stance with law enforcement” and will share information with law enforcement at its discretion, even without a subpoena.
Meanwhile, over the past year, Apple has made a series of steps to address the privacy and safety issues associated with AirTags. Those steps include User warning when an unwanted device may be traveling with them.
In Thursday’s release, Tile says that “these proactive notifications can notify thieves that a stalker is on the stolen item, allowing them to delete it and make the item’s recovery easier.” less likely to happen.”
Tile went on to criticize Apple’s approach, adding, “These anti-tracking measures have been criticized as insufficient to protect victims.”
Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
In contrast, Tile argues that “Multi-factor ID verification, defined consequences, and well-established cooperation with law enforcement are important steps in preventing stalking.”
Tile began rolling out the new feature on Thursday and will be available to all users in the coming weeks, across all Tile trackers, as well as tile-enabled partner products.
