Google removes seven apps designed to track people from the Play Store

Google has removed seven apps designed to track people via GPS from the Play Store. The apps had to be installed on a victim’s device. Google took the action after a report from a security company.

These are apps with names such as Spy Tracker, SMS Tracker, Phone Cell Tracker, Spy Kids Tracker and Employee Work Spy. Security company Avast calls them stalker apps and states that they probably all come from the same developer. The apps were aimed at tracking children, employees or partners and the seven apps had been installed 130,000 times together. With the apps it was possible to track the location, contacts, and read the SMS and call history.

The apps made no effort to disguise what they are intended for. The descriptions state that they are intended for parents to see what their children are doing or for employers to keep an eye on employees. The apps must be installed on the device of the person to be tracked. The location data is then forwarded. The apps also provide instructions on how to hide the installation so that the victim doesn’t notice.

Avast says it discovered four of the apps on Tuesday and passed them on to Google. Three more apps were discovered on Wednesday. The seven apps have now all been removed from the Play Store.