The trend of using monitoring apps, also known as spy apps, to keep tabs on someone’s iPhone calls, messages, emails, browsing history, media, and location has been on the rise lately. That’s understandable as these tools are ridiculously powerful due to their ability to work exceptionally well while showing complete disregard for distance or geographical location. If you too are planning to jump on the iPhone spying bandwagon, then go ahead. However, before you do that, there are a few important things that you must know to avoid unnecessary complications.
Its Legality is Conditional
Although iPhone spy apps can easily be picked off the web and the law enforcement agencies (LEAs) haven’t announced a crackdown on the companies behind these tools, you should still exercise caution. The legality of spy apps is based on their use. If you are using spy apps on someone else’s iPhone, and that too without seeking their consent first, then you’ll be guilty of committing an infraction, one that may result in imprisonment and fine. You can only install a spy app on a device that you own. This includes devices that you may have given to your employees for work purposes. However, even if you are installing the monitoring app on your own devices that is in someone else’s use, it is legally binding on you to inform them that you’re keeping tabs on their mobile communications and activities. If you don’t do that and the person you’re spying on reports you to the LEAs, you can end up in a lot of trouble.
iPhone Spy Apps have Limitations
There is no denying the fact that spying tech has evolved a lot in recent years, gaining unique and powerful abilities that once seemed impossible. However, there are still a lot of things that it can’t do. For example, you cannot install a spy app on the target iPhone remotely. Furthermore, you can’t snoop on encrypted data and communications. That, however, may not prove to be such a huge issue since most spy apps pick data off the device directly, or in some instances the backup server, where the data is normally stored in an unencrypted form. However, if you’re planning to intercept data mid-air, then you’ll only find yourself disappointed. One more thing that you need to be mindful of is that Apple keeps releasing new updates to reinforce iOS’s defenses. So if you’re able to snoop on a certain iPhone activity today, there’s a very good chance that you might lose that access following the release of a new update by Apple. To regain that kind of access, you might have to wait for a newer version of whatever spy app you’re using.
Spy Apps Can Damage Relationships
This one is no brainer. Nobody likes to be spied on. If you’re snooping on the conversations, online activities, pictures, videos, and whereabouts of people you share a good relation with, including your partner, friends, colleagues, etc., then you’re basically taking a huge risk. The moment they find out what you’ve been up to, they’re likely to feel betrayed and distance themselves from you. Some might even go as far as reporting you to the LEAs for invading their privacy. You may not want to take such a risk. Therefore, always think twice or thrice before investing in and deploying an iPhone spy app.