‘Stalkerware’ App CEO Asks FTC to Modify or Vacate 2021 Order
The public has until Aug. 19 to comment on a petition asking the FTC to vacate or modify an order against a “stalkerware” app, the agency said Friday.
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Scott Zuckerman, CEO of SpyFone, filed to amend or vacate an order banning him from “offering, promoting, selling, or advertising any surveillance app, service, or business.” The order extends to Zuckerman’s other businesses, requiring him to establish information-security programs and complete biennial assessments to show compliance.
Zuckerman’s petition states that his former company, Support King, is permanently closed, while arguing the order imposes an “excessive and unnecessary burden.” Compliance costs prevent him from expanding other businesses, including a restaurant and tourism services, he said.
The FTC in 2021 alleged Zuckerman, Support King and SpyFone.com “sold apps that allowed purchasers to secretly monitor devices without device-owner knowledge.” The agency claimed the apps “secretly collected and shared data on photos, text messages, web histories, location and physical movements. SpyFone facilitated this by instructing purchasers on how to bypass security settings on the device where the apps were installed.”
The agency said the commission will vote on the petition after the comment period ends.