Bryan Fleming, founder of the spyware company pcTattletale, has pleaded guilty to federal charges of computer hacking and selling surveillance software for illegal purposes. This marks the first successful U.S. federal prosecution of a stalkerware operator in over a decade. Fleming's software allowed users to spy on individuals' phones and computers without their knowledge, often targeting romantic partners and spouses. His conviction, following a multi-year investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, could lead to further prosecutions against similar operators and highlights the ongoing issue of stalkerware. This matters because it underscores the importance of legal accountability in the fight against privacy-invasive technologies and the protection of individuals' personal data.
