A chilling case of privacy breach has unfolded in Dubai, where a British expat is taking tech giant Apple to court over its AirTag device being used to secretly track his location.
The 47-year-old man’s ordeal began when he discovered the device hidden in his child’s teddy bear, leading to a criminal report against his ex-wife for breaching privacy.
The man’s lawyer, Dr Hasan Elhais, argued in court that the incident has caused significant emotional distress and security concerns for their client.
“This case highlights the profound ethical concerns and emotional toll technology can inflict when used maliciously,” Dr Elhais said. “We are requesting the court to compel Apple to disclose crucial information to safeguard my client’s privacy rights.”
The requested information includes data related to the AirTag, the owner’s identity, and any linked accounts or URLs used to track or monitor the man without his consent. The case is ongoing, and the outcome may have significant implications for privacy rights in the digital age.
The man’s discovery of the AirTag led him to his ex-wife’s location outside his new residence, a place he had kept confidential following their divorce in July 2023 and subsequent custody ruling in his favor. The ex-wife admitted to owning an AirTag to track pets but denied any involvement in the incident.
The man’s lawyer argued that the incident has resulted in substantial material and moral damages to their client, impacting his personal well-being and professional life. “His distress, fear, and sadness have prevented him from properly running his company,” said Dr. Elhais.
The case raises concerns about the misuse of technology in family disputes and the need for tech companies like Apple to be held accountable for protecting users’ privacy rights..
As Drs Elhais stressed, “This case is not just about one individual’s privacy breach but about the ethical responsibility of tech companies to ensure their devices are not used maliciously.”
