14 DAY TRIAL // Smartphone users have a lot of options when it comes to protecting their privacy. They can utilize all sorts of applications that can hide conversations, SMS messages and other incriminatory evidence which in many cases can represent the cause of conflict between spouses and business partners.
However, many of these apps can be utilized not only for protection, but also for spying on others. According to Australian authorities, cited by The Sydney Morning Herald, smartphones are often utilized to spy on someone, but what few people know is that such deeds are punishable.
Although current legislation doesn’t mention anything about spying with a clever mobile phone, it “is broad enough to deal with use of new technologies, including smartphones and their applications.”
Experts argue that new laws should be instated, but authorities claim that those who illegally intercept communications could face penalties of up to two years in prison.
Furthermore, Australia might review its privacy laws to give victims the right to sue if “serious invasions of privacy occur.”
A perfect example of a “two-edged” privacy protection app is Call & Text Eraser (CATE). The application can be utilized to hide calls and SMS messages from selected contacts, and keeping them that way until a password is entered.
However, these functions can also be utilized to log someone’s calls and messages because the app is fairly stealthy. By secretly installing it on someone else’s phone, “spies” can keep tabs on their target's every action.
CATE is just an example, but there are numerous apps – many of which created for legitimate purposes – that can be easily and successfully utilized to steal private information, track the device’s owner and even listen in on phone conversations.