Smartphone apps used to keep children safe could violate privacy, stalking laws

There are Smartphone apps used to keep track of children to ensure their safety, but many app makers are going farther and marketing the apps for spying on cheating spouses or loved ones, according to a government investigation.

Federal auditors said that kind of spying could violate privacy and stalking laws.

If it's an elderly relative or a young child, spy apps can be a great tool to keep them safe.

But there are other uses that privacy experts warn could be illegal and dangerous.

The dashboard for some of the Smartphone spy apps show emails, texts and exact locations of users.

“In the wrong hands, with the wrong technology it can be something people need to be concerned about and be careful with,” said Phillip Herr of the Government Accountability Office.

While many of the apps are legally targeted for parents or employers, government auditors at the GAO found that a third of the 40 they studied promote other kinds of spying.

The app’s description said, “Your husband tells you he's going to be late tonight due to a business meeting. Is he really at the office?”

Another said, ”If you're in a committed relationship, you have a right to know.”

But Jules Polonetsky from the Future of Privacy forum said legally, you don't.

“There clearly are companies that are offering apps that seem to have no purpose but illegally stalking,” said Polonetsky.

There are ways for app developers to let users know if they are monitoring their location or their personal information. The makers of Mobile Spy said they place an icon on any phone that's being monitored.

Mobile Spy said they also require customers to confirm they own the phone and give permission before the software is installed.

But the GAO found many companies don't have those kinds of protections in place.

The GOA is sending their results to the Senate Judiciary Committee. The committee could hold hearings or draft new laws.

Cox Media Group