Security giants line up behind push to stop stalkerware being used on smartphones

That definition covers ...

... pretty much every scriptable language out there.

"intimate partner surveillance"

That part of the definition seems curiously specific, given that they also refer to government-orchestrated abuse. Almost as if they're a bit shy about giving the real reason for getting together to provide this facility.

Whatever, it seems to be a good move so I welcome it.

So it's goodbye

to G.H.C.Q. and N.S.A., Google and Facebook.

There are real tears of misery running down my face. (NOT).

Ishy

marketing hype

It is not just malicious apps...

Will need a lot of user education as so many apps leak data bout themselves

e.g Users worried about stalking will need to ensure they have location data disabled so e.g. tweet does not show their approx location.

They will also need to ensure social media they use strips out any location data on photos (obviously if they disable location data new phone photos wont have location data)

People worried about stalking need to be careful not to overshare information.

Some of the most useful apps on a phone - the "Find my Phone" type of apps, are great for people who have phone stolen / mislaid but obviously there is a security implication if someone malicious knows credentials to access that functionality

Yes, I'm sure a few purely malicious covertly installed apps could be targeted, but lots of apps people want to use and have knowingly installed can have privacy issues that can be exploited

the campaign will aim to help victims of stalking and domestic violence

by creating an app. Maybe. I mean, what else do you expect Kaspersky, Norton / Symantec, Malwarebytes, G DATA, Avira, and EFF will actually DO? Provide a personalised call-in service? One-to-one sessions? Investigate individual cases? Pay for victims' private prosecutions against stalkers? Instead they will generate a wave of seminars, sessions, discussions panels, held in cushy surroundings around the globe. Not for the victims to participate, that's for sure, unless you happen to be selected to provide emotional touch.

Abusively talking a domestic partner vs. DIY Private detective?

Just want to point out that this type of software can be used to see what your lyin', cheatin' partner has been up to, where, and with who.

It's easier than ever to cover your tracks as a cheater. The traditional "finding receipts in the sock drawer" doesn't apply when receipts are e-mailed, and so on. Laugh and mock the cheated-on if you want to be a thoughtless dick. Or you can consider finding out you married a sociopath, a professional faker with no conscience or morals. They lie like we breathe and are very good at engaging others to protect and cover for them. There are others more complex or dangerous to catch, and any evidence you find they'll try to gaslight you into disbelieving. Shadowing their phone might be the only sure way to figure out what they've been up to.

This is doubly true for women who are being cheated on. Hey, I've know two women whose lying husbands had double lives and a second FAMILY. A month subscription to a spy app can root that sort of thing out quickly... OR provide assurance that yes, you ARE being paranoid and they're true to you.

This kind of software can also help FREE people from abusive situations. Just sayin'.

Just sell them an empty phone

That is about the only way no tracking software is installed. No OS etc.

Although The Phone companies will still know where you are!¬