New Apple Watch May Call the Cops on You

The new Apple Watch has an auto-dial feature to call 911 if it senses you fall down.

That would be good for elderly people or others who have fallen and can't get up. But if the cops show up and see you have a meth lab, you'll be doing some real time.

Fourth Amendment

Elizabeth Joh, a law professor at the University of California, Davis, pointed out the Fourth Amendment problem. By inviting police into their homes, Apple Watch wearers could be asking for trouble.

She posed a scenario where the watch accidentally alerts police to check on them. She said the "community caretaker exception" means they can enter the home without a warrant.

"Plain view means they may seize contraband/evidence of a crime," she tweeted. "Nice work, guys."

Joh told Ars Technica that "whenever there's a change in the technology, it creates an inadvertent Fourth Amendment question."

Alternative Options?

The Apple Watch gives wearers options before it dials 911. After it senses a wearer is immobile for about one minute, it displays a message to dial the emergency number or not.

Fred Jennings, a New York attorney, said he would prefer if the watch automatically dialed a relative, friend, or someone besides the police.

Maybe like your criminal defense attorney?

Related Resources:

• Voice-Control Hasn't Even Reached Puberty (FindLaw's Technologist)
• 3 Signs It's Time to Get a New Computer (FindLaw's Technologist)
• U.S. Seeks to Thwart Foreign Cyber Adversaries (FindLaw's Technologist)