Introduction and methodology
Six months ago, we created a special alert that notifies users about commercial spyware (stalkerware) products installed on their phones. This report examines the use of stalkerware and the number of users affected by this software in the first eight months of 2019.
Сonsumer surveillance technology has evolved rapidly in recent years and the very purpose of surveillance activity has changed dramatically. The rise of the internet and subsequent explosion in mobile device usage has led to a thriving type of surveillance software – known as stalkerware. The software allows users to spy on other people – for example, to monitor their messages, call information and GPS locations – in complete stealth. It can often be used to abuse the privacy of current or former partners and even strangers. This can be done by simply manually installing an application on the targeted victim’s smartphone or tablet. Once in place, the stalker receives access to a range of personal data, despite being remote from the victim. It differs greatly from parental control software. While parental control apps aim to restrict access to risky and inappropriate content and persistently notifies a user about its requests, stalkerware is about providing the abuser with surveillance to spy on a victim, without the consent of an individual.
The vast majority of stalkerware apps are not available on official app stores – like Google Play – and installation requires access to a dedicated website and access to the victim’s device. Those with bad intentions may use it to monitor employee emails, track children’s movements and even spy on what a partner is up to. Such uses may lead to harassment, surveillance without consent, stalking and even domestic violence. However, current laws to regulate the use of stalkerware are not yet stron ..
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