×

Bill will help close loophole

Technology can be a wonderful thing. It also can be horrifying, particularly when the law does not keep up with innovations. Ohio lawmakers seem to be working to address one of those shortfalls, as the state House of Representatives just passed state Senate Bill 100, which makes it a crime to put or install a tracking device on someone else’s property without their consent.

Seems like common sense, doesn’t it? But until the measure is signed into law, use of, for example, an Apple AirTag to aid in stalking a victim is not in and of itself a crime.

According to a report by the Ohio Capital Journal, a stalking case in Akron turned deadly when an ex-boyfriend used an AirTag he’d placed on his victim’s car to track her down. A private investigator hired by the victim found the AirTag, but by then it was too late. Even if the AirTag had been brought to police at the time it was discovered, Akron Police would not have been able to act, as using an electronic tracker on someone’s car without their knowledge was not a crime then.

When SB 100 goes into effect, it will make use of a tracking device without someone’s consent a first-degree misdemeanor, which could be raised to a fourth-degree felony if stalking is a pattern or there is a history of violence by the perpetrator.

“It’s important to get this passed so we can protect those potential victims out there and make sure that these air tags are being used for good things and not these stalking-type situations,” said state Sen. Nathan Manning, R-North Ridgeville, according to the Capital Journal.

Surely Gov. Mike DeWine will waste no time signing the measure. Meanwhile, lawmakers must consider how many other malicious uses of otherwise helpful technology have been flying under the radar. Sadly, the possibilities are likely more than they will be able to stay on top of. But in this case, at least, they are to be commended for trying.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $2.99/week.

Subscribe Today