Google Removes Staklerware Apps From Play Store Used For Spying On Spouses & Partners

Google pulls apps from Play Store that were used for tracking spouses but apps to monitor children's activity have not been banned.

New Delhi: Tech Giant Google has removed several Stalkerware apps from Play Store. These apps were being used to spy on spouses or partners. These Stalkerware apps promote spying on your friend, spouse, which is against Google Play Store policy. 

What Are Stalkerware Apps?

Stalkerware apps are generally disguised under a fake app name with suspicious access to messages, call logs, location, and other personal activity. They are usually used to spy on someone.

Google said the company does not allow ads promoting spyware for partner surveillance. "We have removed ads from the Play Store that violate our policy. At the same time, we will continue to track and monitor such ads," a company spokesperson said.  

Play Store Policy Updated

In 2020, Google updated its Play Store policy that banned the Stalkerware apps. Google said it has removed such apps from the Play Store that transmit personal information of the device without adequate notice or consent and do not display a persistent notification that this is happening.