Google has made some changes to the Play Store to enforce an “ official ban” on stalkerware apps . However, it is allowing this software in apps intended for monitoring children by their guardians.
Essentially, stalkerware applications are designed to 's movements user. They have the ability to monitor calls and messages, as well as record the activity of other applications.
Stalkerware is also known as spouseware, as it is used by many users who want to monitor their partners/spouses. However, it is also used to monitor children while they are away from home and to monitor employees while they are at work.
Stalkerware applications can be installed on both laptops and smartphones. However, in most cases they are installed without the knowledge and consent of the device. The applications run in the background of the operating system and the device owners are not aware of them.
In recent years, the Play Store has hosted hundreds of stalkerware apps.
However, security researchers had warned Google about these apps and the company was quick to remove those deemed dangerous.
Google bans stalkerware apps… or so
Google has updated its Developer Program Policy , stating that all apps that track users and send their data to another device must include “adequate notice or consent” to the user being tracked. The app must inform the user that they are being tracked.
The new rules will go into effect on October 1. Essentially, stalkerware apps will only be able to make it onto the Google Play Store if they make the necessary changes to their UI.
These new Google Play Store rules seem to be a step in the right direction. But the company has left a loophole. Apps designed to monitor children by parents can continue to operate without asking for consent or displaying a notification on the device. This will only apply to children , not adults. apps will have to have a notification. However, this loophole could be used by criminals to sneak malicious apps onto the Play Store.
According to ZDNet, stalkerware app developers must make the changes in order for their apps to continue to be listed in Google's store. The company has given two weeks to make these changes. In reality, the announcement is more like a warning to developers of malicious stalkerware apps. It's not an actual ban.
