A man beginning to write a text message on his mobile phone in Los Angeles, California, 11/02/2009.
Source: Supplied
PARENTS are installing spyware on their children’s phones to track their movements, read their text messages and view their photos.
The latest smartphone technology allows worried parents to keep tabs on their children and, unlike previous apps, it remains hidden.
The software, which has been criticised as an invasion of privacy, is the latest weapon for “helicopter” parents keeping a short leash on their children, to ensure they are not “sexting” or hanging out with the wrong crowd.
As one program’s website warns: “Are your kids involved with texting dangers? What are they secretly texting about? Are they visiting porn sites on the phone? You have the right to know.”
The latest programs to hit the market, Spyera Software and Mobile Spy, offer stealth GPS tracking and the abilities to read text messages and emails and view photos.
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Spyera even promises to turn the phone into a “remote bugging device” so parents can listen to conversations wherever the phone is left.
Unlike iPhone or Android programs sold in official app stores, such as Family Tracker, the latest downloadable programs remain hidden, so children have no idea they are being tracked and parents can choose whether to tell them.
There is also the potential for the software to be used by jealous ex-lovers or employers to keep tabs on workers.
Barrister Nicholas Baltinos said the programs were an invasion of privacy and parents could be breaking the law.
“There needs to be consent,” Mr Baltinos said. “You can’t simply install a program and eavesdrop on someone’s activity regardless of whether they are a child or an adult.”
Mr Baltinos said parents should seek permission first.
“Some parents may argue they have a legitimate reason to spy on their children’s mobile phone activity but it is not a legal justification for such conduct.”
Spyera defends the program as “not all that different” from parents going through drawers looking for “drugs, letters, or other trouble signs”.
Even computer-literate children are unable to disable the software, the company claims.
Article source: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/program-lets-parents-track-kids039-phones/story-e6freuy9-1226207063409
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