Google, Centre questioned in mobile spyware case

Acting on a plea regarding the invasion of privacy of mobile phone users by spyware tools that monitor and record information, the Delhi High Court has sought the central government’s stand over the issue. Justice V Kameswar Rao issued notice on the petition by Dimple Vivek, a lawyer, who argued that mobile spyware or malware was a serious threat to mobile phone users who are placed under ‘total surveillance’. The Court has also sought response from tech major Google and certain spyware sellers on the petition which seeks a direction to the Centre to stop the sale, operation and advertisement of such spyware. The petitioner has also sought directions to the Centre to regulate such spyware. As per the petition, women were the primary victims of illegal spyware which is “capable of capturing significant amount of highly personal information” such as location tracking, monitoring text messages, calls, photos and camera.