Developers of several stalkerware apps have been fined around $500,000 and told to change their software.
A consortium of 16 companies owned by Patrick Hinchy created the snooping apps Auto Forward, Easy Spy, DDI Utilities, Highster Mobile, PhoneSpector, Surepoint and TurboSpy.
These allowed customers to covertly monitor a comprehensive range of activity on other devices, including call logs. text messages; photos and videos; location; Gmail, WhatsApp, Skype; social media activity and browsing history.
Hinchy advertised the software as legal, but users must install it on other adult mobile devices, which violates federal and New York law, said Attorney General Leticia James. there is
Hinchy did not inform the customer of the potential damage that installing the product might cause to the device. Rooting or jailbreaking your device will void the manufacturer’s warranty.
According to the New York State Attorney General, Hinchy has also misled customers about refund policies, made false claims about the security of data obtained through stalkerware, and attempted to persuade consumers to purchase his software. Created a fake review site.
He is said to have created multiple sites intended to provide technical advice, when in fact they were created solely for the purpose of selling products.
“Spying on your partner and tracking their cell phone without their knowledge is not only a sign of an unhealthy relationship, it’s against the law,” James said.
“These apps and products put New Yorkers at risk for stalking and domestic abuse and were actively promoted by Patrick Hinchey through 16 different companies. We will stop allowing unknowing surveillance and continue our ongoing fight to protect the rights, safety and privacy of New Yorkers.”
In addition to the $410,000 fine, Hinchy would have to update the app so device owners knew their devices were being monitored.
The United States is one of the top three countries in the world for stalkerware downloads.
