FBI rescues abducted girl with the help of a Nintendo Switch. --- Finally, spyware put to good use.

[usonian]

https://www.techspot.com/news/99432-fbi-rescues-abducted-girl-help-nintendo-switch.html

Despite the concerted efforts of authorities and countless citizens, initial searches yielded no clues about the child's whereabouts. Unknown to the search teams, she was already over 2,000 miles away in an Arizona apartment, abducted by 28-year-old Ethan Roberts. The girl had been chatting online with Roberts, who manipulated her into leaving home with him. ...

Roberts had allowed the child to bring along her Nintendo Switch, which went unnoticed by all involved. At the apartment, Roberts let her connect the Switch to Wi-Fi so she could "watch YouTube and download a game." However, unbeknownst to Roberts, launching a Switch game online alerts any logged-in friends, a feature by Nintendo to foster gameplay among friends.

Because of this, authorities called upon the FBI, hoping to track the Nintendo Switch. On August 14, 2022, after eleven terrifying days for the child, the FBI located the apartment complex, arrested Roberts, and safely rescued the abducted child.

Former Arizona Department of Public Safety director Frank Milstead commented on the case. "Everything's connected from Wi-Fi to LTE," said Milstead. "Whether it's a cell phone, an iPad, a watch, or whatever it may be, you can use those things to locate people."

In April 2023, Roberts agreed to a plea deal and received a 30-year prison sentence for his various crimes