The AirTag Epidemic: Countering the Rise of Tech-Enabled Stalking
A recent investigation by The Independent has uncovered a "shocking" 896% surge in stalking reports involving Apple AirTags and GPS trackers in the UK. What were once designed as tools for convenience—finding lost keys or tracking luggage—have been weaponised by abusers and stalkers to monitor victims' movements with terrifying precision.
At Conflict International, we are seeing this trend firsthand. As consumer-grade tracking technology becomes cheaper and more discreet, the threat to personal privacy and physical safety has never been higher. Standard security measures are no longer enough; protecting yourself in 2026 requires a professional, intelligence-led approach to Technical Surveillance Counter Measures (TSCM).
The Intelligence Brief: How Tracking Tech is Evolving
The data shows that stalking cases involving AirTags rose from 57 in 2018 to nearly 600 by the end of 2024, with coercive control cases seeing an even steeper 1,034% increase. * The "Stealth" Factor: Devices as small as 3cm can be hidden in car wheel arches, coat pockets, or even children's backpacks.
- Beyond the Device: Stalkers are increasingly using "Stalkerware"—spyware apps like Mspy—to access GPS locations, messages, and microphones on personal devices.
- The Police Gap: Charities warn of a "postcode lottery" regarding police responses, with many victims being told to simply "throw away" trackers—an action that can often escalate the stalker's behaviour.
Conflict International: Taking Control of Your Privacy
Identifying a hidden tracker is not as simple as checking your phone for an "Unknown Accessory" alert. Sophisticated stalkers use modified devices or non-Apple trackers that do not trigger automatic warnings.
Professional Bug Sweeps & TSCM
Our TSCM and Bug Sweeping specialists use military-grade equipment to detect the radio frequencies and physical presence of illicit tracking devices. We don't just find the bug; we secure the environment.
- Vehicle Sweeps: We conduct thorough physical and electronic inspections of vehicles to locate GPS trackers hidden in chassis, upholstery, or electronic systems.
- Residential & Corporate Sweeps: We ensure your home and workplace are free from covert listening devices or cameras that may be used in conjunction with trackers.
- Digital Forensics: Our Cyber Security team audits smartphones and laptops for hidden "Stalkerware," ensuring your digital footprint is truly private.
Counter-Surveillance Strategy
At Conflict International, we understand that finding a device is only the first step. Removing a tracker can alert the stalker and provoke a physical confrontation. Our consultants provide a comprehensive Counter-Surveillance strategy:
- Evidence Preservation: We ensure that any devices found are handled correctly to preserve digital fingerprints and data for potential prosecution.
- Risk Management: We work with clients to develop a safety plan that accounts for the stalker's reaction when their "window" into your life is closed.
- Protective Intelligence: Our team can provide discreet surveillance to identify the perpetrator and gather the evidence needed for a non-molestation order or criminal charges.
Securing Your Future in a Trackable World
The rise of tech-enabled stalking is a sobering reminder that our privacy is under constant threat. Whether you are a high-net-worth individual, a corporate executive, or someone targeted by an obsessive individual, you deserve the peace of mind that comes with professional protection.
Do you suspect you are being monitored or tracked? Explore our TSCM and Bug Sweeping services or contact Conflict International today for a confidential Privacy Consultation.