Google and Apple are generally quick to tackle malicious apps which manage to avoid the privacy and security protections imposed in their respective official app stores. Several years ago, Google removed seven apps from the Play Store that were marketed as employee and child trackers. The tech giant took a dim view of their overreaching functions -- including GPS device tracking, access to SMS messages, the theft of contact lists, and potentially the exposure of communication taking place in messaging applications. Google has also banned stalkerware ads. However, some apps still apparently slip through the net.When it comes to Apple, the firm has cracked down on parental control apps, citing privacy-invading functions as the reason for removal. The company offers its own parental device control service called Screen Time for parents who want to limit their child's device usage. Furthermore, the company does not allow sideloading, a practice Apple says stops mobile threats from proliferating in the iOS ecosystem.