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Show HN: Undetectag, track stolen items with AirTag

(undetectag.com)
114 points pompidoo | 6 comments | 15 May 25 15:46 UTC | HN request time: 0.838s | source | bottom

I developed a device that turns an Airtag on and off at specific intervals. Current Airtags are detectable right away and cannot be used to track stolen property. That device allows you to hide an Airtag in your car, for example, and someone that steals your car will not be able to use some app to detect it. The Airtag will also not warn the thief of its presence. After some hours, the Airtag turns on again and you can find out its location. It’s not foolproof, as the timing has to be right, but still useful.

What do you think?

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wanderer2323 ◴[15 May 25 17:33 UTC] No.43997335[source]▶
You have also developed a device that allows people to use AirTags for stalking.
replies(4): >>43997405 #>>43997420 #>>43998214 #>>43999565 #
1. pompidoo ◴[15 May 25 17:41 UTC] No.43997420[source]▶
As it's 4 hours off / 1 hour on, the device is not very suitable for stalking someone. Also once the AirTag is back on and the person starts moving, they will be alerted that the AirTag is tracking them.
replies(2): >>43997827 #>>43997867 #
2. schmichael ◴[15 May 25 18:26 UTC] No.43997827[source]▶
That’s perfect for finding out where someone lives. Drop it in their bag or jacket at a concert/bar/work/whatever-in-the-evening, and the place they’re likely at in 4 hours is their home.

Not trying to be creepy, I’m just trying to demonstrate how we all need to think like adversaries (eg creeps) when designing products.

replies(1): >>43997895 #
3. hangonhn ◴[15 May 25 18:30 UTC] No.43997867[source]▶
That's not true in all scenarios.

I once donated an infant car seat to a coworker but forgot I had put an AirTag on it. After she had taken it home, her iPhone told there was an unknown AirTag and she texted me. I apologized profusely and she wasn't bothered by it. Nonetheless had I been nefarious, I would have been able to get her home address.

4. fn-mote ◴[15 May 25 18:32 UTC] No.43997895[source]▶
You can probably find out where they live from knowing their name. This application is not a high level of stalking.
replies(2): >>43997926 #>>43998092 #
5. schmichael ◴[15 May 25 18:34 UTC] No.43997926{3}[source]▶
The concert/bar example allows stalking without knowing someone’s name.
6. andygeorge ◴[15 May 25 18:51 UTC] No.43998092{3}[source]▶
> not a high level of stalking

imo no level of stalking is appropriate. while this device might not do everything a stalker wants it to, it surely makes it easier for them