Elevation Lab withdraws AirTag Silencer following stalking concerns

Elevation Lab has withdrawn its “AirTag Silencer” from the market following intense criticism regarding privacy and safety risks. The accessory was designed to permanently disable the internal speaker of Apple’s AirTag tracking devices using a mechanical piercing mechanism.

While the company initially marketed the tool as a way for owners to protect valuable items, such as bicycles, from being located by thieves, critics argued it posed a severe danger by facilitating stalking. By silencing the device, the accessory could allow bad actors to track individuals without the audible warnings that Apple has implemented to prevent unauthorized monitoring.

In an apology, Elevation Lab admitted that the product could “aid someone with bad intentions to track someone who wouldn’t get phone notifications.” To prevent other manufacturers from releasing similar products, the company announced it would use its recently issued patent to block equivalent accessories.