Are luggage Tags safe? They are certainly great technology and the market is growing rapidly, but there are a few things you need to consider.
According to IMIR Research Analyst, the Global Airtag Market size was valued at USD 3.88 Billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 29.58 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 25.32% from 2022 to 2031.
Clearly Apple Airtag will be at the forefront of this growth alongside Android versions such as Chipolo and it’s not hard to see why such devices are getting more widely used as we hear time and again of stories around #lostluggage globally (mishandled luggage almost doubles in 2022). On top of that there are the 70 million smartphones that get lost every year globally or the 450,000 passports lost in the UK alone!
Whilst these tags can have a number of uses which are very useful, and if you’re near to the lost item you can #reunite yourselves quickly. However, there are downsides to the #technology, some of which can be considered downright scary.
Here’s some things to think about this burgeoning category and the tech that goes with it:
- All of these systems rely on a combination of Bluetooth, NFC, GPS and whilst all talk about anonymity and #encryption is there absolute security for you and your data?
- The issue of #stalking or invasions of privacy using tags has been well documented (Major security concerns, ABC News) and whilst the business is trying to get ahead of teh problem it is fair to say that if someone wants to abuse the system they will always be able to do so.
- All tags rely on having your data (name, address etc) within the system, which can be given out to finders to help reunite you with your items. How safe is this data? Is this system unbreachable? They most certainly aren’t 100% GDPR friendly!
- To protect all your precious items, and children, and pets requires multiple products and will get very expensive. Plus the battery life is only circa 12 months.
So, how to avaoid such pitfalls?
Essentially a system is needed where the technology is solely in the cloud and not on the product. A system so simple you’d call it #analogue in these days of AI etc.
A system that has no batteries, can guarantee GDPR friendly, no name, address or phone number collected or shared with anyone, EVER.
A system that can apply to all of your items, and children and pets, all under the same code, which only costs $10 for everything (+ $8 annual renewal)
Does this exist?
Of course, hence the article
