Maybe you already feel like youâre being watched. Cameras and listening devices are everywhere from stores to street corners, even right in front of you on the digital devices you use every day. In addition, websites and apps constantly track your browsing habits so marketers can try to sell you things.
But âtheyâ might not be the only source watching you. Instead, it could be the person sitting next to you.
Cybercrooks are always waiting for you to slip up so they can steal from you, but is your significant other doing the same thing on a much more personal level? A lot of apps available today are being marketed as a tool for parents, but theyâre also being used by those suspicious of their partner.
Under surveillance
A number of apps being sold via Appleâs App Store and the Google Play Store can monitor and record calls, texts, location, browsing history and your activity on social media apps. They can even check your battery level.
Many people use these apps to keep tabs on their children. Employers might use these apps on company-owned phones. But looking at reviews, youâll more often see theyâre being used by people to find out if their significant other is up to no good. Take this review for example:
Take mSpy, which the company describes as the âultimate monitoring software for parenting control.â Itâs compatible with iOS and Android devices and can track just about any activity on a phone â for a price. A basic plan for $29.99 a month will monitor calls, emails, Internet browsing history and other records. Make a big jump to $69.99 a month for a premium subscription and youâve then got access to activity on numerous social apps like Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Snapchat, WhatsApp, Skype and Tinder.
Once installed on a device, the icon can even be hidden from a smartphoneâs home screen. It can only be found if you know what to look for.
Another discreet app called Text, Message, Notification, Location Remote Spy is similar to mSpy, but not quite as full-featured. Itâll perform similar functions on iOS and Android devices, and also comes with a monthly subscription.
Bonus: Donât download this app that can deplete your PayPal account
The fine print
Reviews on these apps show how theyâre being used, but it could get you in trouble. These apps are only supposed to be installed on devices you own, and only on other devices as long as that person has given permission to do so. A legal disclaimer on mSpy reads: âThe violation of this requirement could result in severe monetary and criminal penalties imposed on the violator.â
So if you suspect your partner is hiding things from you, using these apps as a way to prove it could lead to serious legal hardship for you down the line. And if you think youâre being watched, run a detailed check of every app on your smartphone, looking for anything buried in settings that shouldnât be there.