Stalkerware is essentially a kind of software that allows you to spy on someone else’s phone. Many companies out there provide this kind of software, and a big part of the reason why that is the case has to do with the fact that there are a number of parents out there that are trying to make it so that they can keep an eye on their children and what they are doing. Some would argue that this is a violation of the child’s right to privacy, whereas others are going to agree that it is a necessary evil to help parents protect their kids.
With all of that having been said and out of the way, it is important to note that this is obviously not going to be only way this kind of software is used. Many people that buy this kind of software use it to spy on people that they have no business spying on. It’s fair to say that stalkerware can cause all kinds of privacy violations and this can lead to further problems down the line all of which are pertinent because of the fact that these companies are being allowed to advertise on Google.
In spite of the fact that Google placed a ban on such companies, if you take a look at Google Ads you would see a number of stalkerware providers still advertising freely. Google has stated that the enforcement of new policies is always the sort of thing that takes time to fully implement, so there is a chance that this is just a buffer period during which companies might be able to advertise after which they would banned. It’s important to prevent such applications from becoming widespread due to the reason that they can cause a lot of security concerns and can make people feel less safe.
Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Hat Tip: Techcrunch.
Read next: Hidden URLs may become the new thing in Chrome 86 as Google currently experiments it against spoofing and malicious websites
With all of that having been said and out of the way, it is important to note that this is obviously not going to be only way this kind of software is used. Many people that buy this kind of software use it to spy on people that they have no business spying on. It’s fair to say that stalkerware can cause all kinds of privacy violations and this can lead to further problems down the line all of which are pertinent because of the fact that these companies are being allowed to advertise on Google.
In spite of the fact that Google placed a ban on such companies, if you take a look at Google Ads you would see a number of stalkerware providers still advertising freely. Google has stated that the enforcement of new policies is always the sort of thing that takes time to fully implement, so there is a chance that this is just a buffer period during which companies might be able to advertise after which they would banned. It’s important to prevent such applications from becoming widespread due to the reason that they can cause a lot of security concerns and can make people feel less safe.
Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Hat Tip: Techcrunch.
Read next: Hidden URLs may become the new thing in Chrome 86 as Google currently experiments it against spoofing and malicious websites
