A Michigan man's case highlights the risks of using spyware apps without proper consent. Bryan Fleming, a co-creator of PC Tattletale software, recently pleaded guilty to helping users spy on their romantic partners without their knowledge.
In 2002, Fleming helped develop pcTattletale, which allowed its subscribers to monitor and record their target's phone and computer usage. The tool was marketed as a way for parents to monitor their children or employers to track employee productivity. However, Fleming later used the software to spy on his own romantic partners, often without their consent.
PC Tattletale's marketing materials included ads that encouraged users to "catch a cheater" by installing the spy app on their partner's phone when they were sleeping. The company also provided instructions on how to hide icons that might reveal the app was running on the victim's phone.
The software was often used for malicious purposes, such as to gather evidence against an unfaithful spouse or to intimidate a cheating partner. In one case, investigators discovered Fleming's email account and found numerous support requests from users seeking help with using the software in these ways.
Despite being repeatedly told that people were using his product to spy on others without their consent, Fleming continued to provide technical support for these activities. He also created ready-made banner ads touting pcTattletale as a way to "catch a cheater."
In 2024, the company was hacked, and much of its data was leaked online. However, it appears that only a single count of charges against Fleming has been brought, and he was released on his own recognizance while awaiting sentencing.
Fleming's case highlights the risks of using spyware apps without proper consent. While these tools may be marketed as legitimate solutions for monitoring children or employee productivity, they can often be used for malicious purposes. The use of such software to spy on romantic partners without their knowledge is particularly egregious, and Fleming's actions demonstrate a clear disregard for individual privacy and autonomy.
As the stalkerware market continues to evolve, it remains essential for law enforcement agencies to monitor these platforms and bring charges against those who use them to harm others. The consequences of ignoring or facilitating such activities can be severe, as seen in Fleming's case.
In 2002, Fleming helped develop pcTattletale, which allowed its subscribers to monitor and record their target's phone and computer usage. The tool was marketed as a way for parents to monitor their children or employers to track employee productivity. However, Fleming later used the software to spy on his own romantic partners, often without their consent.
PC Tattletale's marketing materials included ads that encouraged users to "catch a cheater" by installing the spy app on their partner's phone when they were sleeping. The company also provided instructions on how to hide icons that might reveal the app was running on the victim's phone.
The software was often used for malicious purposes, such as to gather evidence against an unfaithful spouse or to intimidate a cheating partner. In one case, investigators discovered Fleming's email account and found numerous support requests from users seeking help with using the software in these ways.
Despite being repeatedly told that people were using his product to spy on others without their consent, Fleming continued to provide technical support for these activities. He also created ready-made banner ads touting pcTattletale as a way to "catch a cheater."
In 2024, the company was hacked, and much of its data was leaked online. However, it appears that only a single count of charges against Fleming has been brought, and he was released on his own recognizance while awaiting sentencing.
Fleming's case highlights the risks of using spyware apps without proper consent. While these tools may be marketed as legitimate solutions for monitoring children or employee productivity, they can often be used for malicious purposes. The use of such software to spy on romantic partners without their knowledge is particularly egregious, and Fleming's actions demonstrate a clear disregard for individual privacy and autonomy.
As the stalkerware market continues to evolve, it remains essential for law enforcement agencies to monitor these platforms and bring charges against those who use them to harm others. The consequences of ignoring or facilitating such activities can be severe, as seen in Fleming's case.
- they're meant to help but often end up being used for evil 
. People need to know the risks and use them responsibly 
.
how could someone make a product that's supposed to help parents/employers stay on top of things turn into something so toxic? like pcTattletale was marketed as this wholesome way for people to keep an eye on each other, but really it's just this huge instrument for abuse 
and now we've got a guy who gets away with using the software to spy on his partners without their consent... no wonder there were all these shady ads popping up online 
fleming's case is a real wake-up call for people to think twice before downloading that stuff 
that's wild 
spyware apps are so sketchy 
i mean parents think it's cool to keep an eye on their kids 
but what about when they start using it to dig into someone else's private life 
i'm not surprised more people aren't being held accountable for this shady stuff 
and now Fleming's getting off with community service 
need to raise awareness about consent and online safety 
this whole thing is a total red flag 
. I mean, Fleming knew full well what he was doin', but still went ahead and helped all these ppl spy on their partners without consent 
, 'fore it gets too outta hand 
. And what really gets me is that Fleming knew all this and still kept on supporting these types of activities 
. He's basically a poster child for how not to use technology with integrity