Google took a month to shut down Catwatchful, a phone spyware operation hosted on its servers

Spyware Operation Shut Down: Google Takes Action Against 'Catwatchful'

Tech giant suspends Firebase account linked to controversial surveillance app.

Google has suspended the Firebase account belonging to 'Catwatchful', a spyware operation exposed by TechCrunch for using Google's own servers to host and run its invasive surveillance application. The app secretly monitored thousands of individuals' phones, raising serious concerns about privacy and security.

"We took swift action to suspend the Firebase account associated with Catwatchful," a Google spokesperson stated. "Our policies strictly prohibit the use of our platform for malicious activities like spyware development and deployment."

The TechCrunch investigation revealed that 'Catwatchful' leveraged Google's infrastructure to operate its surveillance app, enabling it to evade detection and carry out widespread monitoring.

This move by Google underscores the company's commitment to safeguarding user data and combatting the proliferation of malicious applications on its platform.