FTC brings case against ‘stalking’ app developer

The Federal Trade Commission on Tuesday charged the developer of three “stalking” apps with violating consumer’s privacy and creating security vulnerabilities.

Retina X Studios and its founder James Johns Jr. will have to delete the data collected by the three apps as part of the settlement and will not be able to sell new apps unless steps are taken to ensure they are used for legitimate purposes.

The stalking apps allowed purchasers to monitor a user’s precise GPS location, text messages sent and received and photos without the knowledge of the user.

Purchasers could allegedly then track that data through an online portal.

Tuesday’s charges are the first time the FTC has taken steps against a stalking app developer, a development which commissioner Rebecca Slaughter called an “important milestone in the FTC’s efforts to protect consumers.”

“These apps are not just creepy — they can put victims of stalking and domestic violence at profound risk,” Slaughter told reporters in a phone call.