Google's updated policy on "stalkerware" apps on its Play store, which effectively prohibits developers from publishing apps that spy on people without their knowledge, comes into effect on October 1, 2020. The new policy mandates developers to give "adequate" and "persistent" notifications to users that such apps have been installed. However, it still allows parents to use apps and tools to monitor their children. The change in policy was first reported by CNET. What is stalkerware? Like the name suggests, such apps are used by people to track the activities of other users remotely. The Coalition Against Stalkerware defines it as software that can be used by individuals that "enables a remote user to monitor the activities on another user’s device without that user’s consent and without explicit, persistent notification to that user in a manner that may facilitate intimate partner surveillance, harassment, abuse, stalking, and/or violence". Stalkerware apps can be used by people to track the movements and internet activity, track the movement of spouses, partners, friends or virtually any other person. In a typical scenario, an app would be installed on two phones — one used by the person being stalked, and the one doing the stalking. Once configured, the master device would virtually have unfettered access to the other device's messages, calls, location data and more. Unsurprisingly, stalkerware has been linked to domestic violence. Relevant in India as well: Stalkerware apps have gained significance in India during the pandemic. Internet security firm Avast reported in July that…
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