Google has finally banned Stalkerware apps from its Play Store (the Google Play Store). It banned the Stalkerware applications because they were spying on other people without any authorization from the person.
Though, the online search giant adopted a blanket ban before to kick against any stalkware application operating in the Google Play Store of which no one has ever imagined why the ads were allowed and operating before now.
Google’s Comment in a Statement
Google mentioned in a statement that it will not allow ads for products and services to spy secretly on someone. This will commence on the 11th of August.
The company said: “Spyware and technology used for intimate partner surveillance including but not limited to spyware/malware that can be used to monitor texts, phone calls, or browsing history; GPS trackers specifically marketed to spy or track someone without their consent; promotion of surveillance equipment (cameras, audio recorders, dash cams, nanny cams) marketed with the express purpose of spying”.
Google also made it clear that it will suspend the accounts of any of the advertisers that will not obey its new policy. Their accounts will be suspended with nothing less than a 7-day caution ahead of time.
The company has been putting in so much effort to bring down and completely eliminate its stalkerware problem. After a 2018 study revealed that it has allowed thousands of ads for secret surveillance tech. Most of the apps that were exposed included: “Track My Wife’s Phone”, as well as “How to catch a cheating spouse with his cell phone”.
Even after all the steps, Google took to prevent those apps from popping up, so many people never seized in slipping through the cracks.
Americans involved in Cyberstalking
One bitter and heartbreaking thing is that the stalkerware apps are the common and prevailing problems. A NortonLifeLock study in February revealed close to half of the Americans have been making use of the internet to stalk their ex or partner.
Most of the apps created were mainly centered on spying on a partner to know if he or she is cheating and also to go through their phones without any authorized access. This is mainly aimed at attracting male customers. Men are two times more likely to spy on their partners than women.
The methods they used in stalking their partners and exes include. Making use of an app to watch their activities online and their location data secretly. Creating a profile that isn’t really in order to use it to stalk them.
Google is Putting in Efforts to Eradicate the Stalkerwares Applications
However, Google is seriously making plans to eradicate the whole problems and issues the stalkerware app has created. It has made it clear to us that any advertiser that would go against its new policy. And continue to release stalkerware applications on the Google Play Store. The account of such an advertiser will be suspended with a 7-day caution.
Furthermore, it takes notes of apps that come up or show up from time to time. It then removes them from its Play Store.
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