CHILLING spyware apps used by paranoid partners and anxious parents contain a piece of code which allows hackers to view the data of thousands of innocent people.

So-called “stalkerware” applications have already proved controversial and allow bosses to spy on their workers and controlling spouses to monitor their partners.

The technology is also used by mums and dads concerned about their children’s safety.

However, a new investigation by Motherboard shows that two such apps are even more disturbing than previously thought.

An application called Xnore can intercept messages, photos, browsing history and even GPS coordinates.

It can also secretly record phone calls.

But if that wasn’t scary enough, the app also allows anyone who is tech savvy enough to open the HTML code of the site to see a “mobile identifier” used by Xnore to view and collect data.

Hackers can then use this piece of code to view data from any other account in the app including information relating to people who are being spied on by other users.

That means if the spyware app has been installed on the device of a child, then a potential sex attacker could easily track them down using the mobile identifier.

Motherboard received a tip about this from an online researcher named only as L&M.

They told the news outlet: “Such companies care only about how to spy, and the confidentiality of the victims' data and their safety does not interest them.”

After being contacted by Motherboard, Xnore has removed the function from their site and added an “additional level of authentication when adding devices”

However, L&M spotted the same issue on another spyware app, Copy9, which offers a similar service to Xnore.

The online researcher was able to access usernames and password of around 12,000 people and claimed to have been able to view the data of all the surveillance targets of those users.

Motherboard says that Copy9 failed to respond to their request for comment on the security breach.

TELLTALE SIGNS YOU ARE BEING SPIED ON

Strange phone behaviour: phone suddenly lights up when not in use,
beeps, shuts down by itself on a regular basis.

Rundown battery: if it runs out quickly or takes much longer to charge.

Unusual texts: receiving messages with strange symbols and numbers
could be the spy apps sending codes.

Increased data use: spy apps as can use up internet data. Check monthly
bills for signs.

Background noise: very often when you are on the phone, background
noise could be a sign someone is listening in.

The legal position
Susan Hall, an IT and communications law specialist, told The Sun: "There are no specific laws regarding spying applications.

“But some can be applied if you are a victim of spying software.

“Spy apps could potentially fall within the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 but because they have legitimate potential uses, it might be difficult to show that the creator of these apps intended them to be used illegally.

“If found guilty you could face up to 12 months imprisonment and/or a fine.”