stalking apps
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Apple removes Instagram stalking app Like Patrol from the App Store
Like Patrol -- an app that scrapes Instagram data to let users keep tabs on any Instagram account's interactions -- is in hot water. Instagram sent the app's developers a cease and desist notice last week for violating its terms of service, and on Saturday, Apple completely removed the service from the App Store. A quick search of the App Store confirms that it's no longer available as of this writing. According to CNET, Apple pulled Like Patrol after deciding it violated the App Store guidelines. Though it's not clear which rules were broken, it's a safe bet that they revolve around data collection and privacy violations.
Instagram is trying to shut down stalking app Like Patrol
Whether it's a parent checking in or a jealous boyfriend keeping tabs on his ex, stalkers are going to stalk. There are several apps that enable this type of behavior, and Like Patrol is one of them. The app scrapes Instagram data, allowing users to track who their targets interact with. According to CNET though, Instagram, sent a cease and desist order for violating its scraping rules, which will hopefully halt Like Patrol's ability to collect data, and force the publisher to shut down the app.
FTC issues its first ban on 'stalking' apps
The FTC has prohibited Florida-based company Retina-X Studios from promoting and selling its apps, which were designed to monitor employees and children. That is, unless and until the developer can ensure those apps will only be used for legitimate purposes. Andrew Smith, the director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection, said it's the agency's first action against "stalking" apps. He added that "although there may be legitimate reasons to track a phone, [the company's] apps were designed to run surreptitiously in the background and are uniquely suited to illegal and dangerous uses."
