Are you aware that you might be monitored while enjoying your favorite tunes?
These seemingly innocuous listening devices, like AirPods, can actually be used for surveillance. Tech experts are advising employees to think twice before accepting AirPods at work, as employers may use them to keep track of their activities.
As Marc Porcar of a QR code generator explained, “AirPods can be monitored indirectly through work phones or laptops, rather than just relying on Apple devices that may already provide location access.”
This goes beyond just keeping tabs on employee breaks; it also means tracking remote workers to see if they take leisurely trips to the bar during lunch or maybe do some shopping instead of working.
Unfortunately, these tracking capabilities are applicable to various AirPods models, from the latest to older ones, even if the older versions lack precise location technology.
Employees should be cautious of AirPods that arrive in opened boxes or come without packaging. Employers can potentially connect them to personal devices and monitor, in a way, “every move you make.”
Digital specialists caution that while “the AirPods lack built-in GPS or cellular features,” they can still be used to discover already paired devices, akin to how an AirTag operates.
To prevent unwanted surveillance, it’s recommended to reset AirPods to factory settings. To do this, place both earbuds in the charging case, seal it, and wait 30 seconds before reopening. Then, press the reset button on the back for 15 seconds until the light changes from amber to white. This effectively stops any monitoring features.
Users can link their AirPods to a different Apple ID using an iMac, iPhone, or iPad. However, it’s wise to do this in familiar settings like the office, where one can’t be easily detected as changing IDs.
If your AirPods were paired with a Mac, you can open the app, navigate to the Devices tab, select your AirPods, and choose the option to “Delete this Device,” thereby disabling any tracking.
Be aware that simply pairing AirPods with a new device doesn’t guarantee the end of tracking. As Porcar warns, “If you connect your AirPods to an Android device but still have an Apple ID linked, it won’t stop tracking, as it can still utilize Apple’s network.”
Interestingly, turning off tracking could raise eyebrows at work, even if there’s a good reason behind it.
So, the safest approach to avoid such issues without raising alarms is to keep your work-related AirPods in their intended setting, whether that’s at home or the office.
“Avoid taking them to places unrelated to work, such as for workouts or after-work outings,” Porcar advises. This not only protects items from theft or loss but also keeps them safe from potential unwanted monitoring by employers.
