Google Cashing In On Spy Apps Used By Stalkers

Google's App Store is profiting from apps on sale which allows perpetrators of domestic abuse to spy on their partners.

So-called 'tracking' apps are thought to be in use against over 10,000 women in the UK alone. Google's App Store has over 3,000 spy apps on its service, whilst Apple's App Store hosts around 500 of these.

These apps can provide perpetrators with details of victims':

• Current location (via GPS)
• Text messages they have sent and received
• Call logs
• Access to the device's camera and microphone

All of this allows for 24 hour surveillance on an individual - in many cases without them even knowing. 

For some apps, perpetrators pay a monthly fee to get all of these features, some even offering a 'Platinum' package for this surveillance to be completely covert, with Google taking a cut of this monthly subscription from the app developer.

Last year, the Suzy Lamplugh Trust revealed that 1.6% of stalking victims (= 10,000) were aware of a tracking app being used on them. This figure is expected to be much higher, as many are unaware that they are being tracked in this way.

While many of the apps were advertised as parental monitoring apps for children's devices, many are instead used by people to spy on their current or ex partners.

Google has now removed the apps from lists for abuse-related searches; and some of the apps for violating its policy. However, many of the apps are still in use. 

TOP TIPS

• Change the password/code needed to access your phone regularly
• Review apps downloaded to your device. Delete any you have no recollection of downloading - or search for what they are to see if it is a monitoring app
• On Android devices, download anti-malware to your phone/tablet (Apple does not let you do this for their devices, as it claims it is all built in)
• Keep the device software up to date. Accept updates as and when they pop-up
• Consider how much information you are sharing on social media
• If you think you are being stalked, via any method(s), contact The Suzy Lamplugh Trust on 0808 802 0300.
• More in-depth tips for overcoming cyber stalking can be found on our advice page.