FTC Shuts Down Attempt to Lift Landmark Stalkerware Ban

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has denied a request to lift a permanent ban on a stalkerware maker. Scott Zuckerman, founder of Support King and its apps SpyFone and OneClickMonitor, petitioned the agency in July. The FTC rejected his appeal this week, keeping the landmark prohibition in place.

This decision reaffirms a major 2021 order that banned Zuckerman from the surveillance industry. The original action followed a massive data breach that exposed victims’ private information.

The Original Ban and Its Lasting Consequences

The FTC’s 2021 order was a direct response to severe security failures. According to the agency, SpyFone’s software was not only invasive but also dangerously insecure. A security researcher discovered an exposed database in 2018.

That breach left extremely sensitive data from thousands of phones open to access. It included photos, text messages, locations, and passwords. The FTC alleged the company helped stalkers steal private information.

The order required Zuckerman to delete all data his apps collected. It also mandated strict cybersecurity audits for his other businesses. The ban prohibited him from any role in the surveillance app industry.

Broader Impact on the Shadowy Stalkerware Industry

This denial sends a strong message to the entire stalkerware sector. The FTC’s firm stance highlights the legal and security risks of these tools. Stalkerware apps are often marketed for monitoring children or employees.

In reality, they are frequently used for domestic abuse and illegal surveillance. TechCrunch has reported at least 26 stalkerware companies suffering data breaches. These incidents repeatedly expose both the users and the people they spy on.

Security experts like Eva Galperin of the Electronic Frontier Foundation praised the FTC’s move. She stated Zuckerman clearly did not learn his lesson from the original order. The decision protects potential future victims from his business practices.

The FTC’s denial solidifies a critical precedent against stalkerware operations. This permanent stalkerware ban demonstrates regulators’ growing commitment to combating digital surveillance abuse. The shadowy industry faces increasing legal pressure for endangering privacy and safety.

Dropping this nugget your way

What is stalkerware?

Stalkerware is software secretly installed on a device to monitor someone without their knowledge. It can track locations, read messages, and access photos. These apps are often used for domestic abuse and illegal surveillance.

Why was the FTC ban originally issued?

The FTC banned Scott Zuckerman and Support King after a major 2018 data breach. A publicly accessible database exposed private data from thousands of phones. The agency cited both deceptive practices and gross security failures.

What data was exposed in the SpyFone breach?

The breach exposed highly sensitive information from infected devices. This included selfies, text messages, audio recordings, and real-time locations. Hashed passwords and contact lists were also left unprotected online.

Has Zuckerman tried to circumvent the ban before?

Yes. In 2022, TechCrunch reported links between a new stalkerware app called SpyTrac and Support King. Data suggested an attempt to continue operations despite the FTC order, using freelance developers.

Why is stalkerware considered dangerous?

Beyond enabling abuse, stalkerware companies have poor security track records. Repeated breaches expose victims’ data to additional criminals. This creates a secondary threat to people already being surveilled.