Spyware misuse can happen everywhere and to everyone. Many targeted individuals have expressed criticism of government policies. They come from all walks of life, and include politicians, journalists, lawyers and civil society activists promoting human rights, women’s rights, and environmental protection. Spyware abuse does not only violate rights of the targeted person but also their social and professional network by monitoring their exchanges with others. In many countries authorities specifically target women activists with spyware, in order to extract information for defamation campaigns. Due to the increased social scrutiny women are under, public shaming of women by leaking private and intimate photos particularly trigger harassment, social ostracism and even physical attacks. Victims frequently face obstacles by authorities when seeking redress, including refusal to provide information necessary to identify responsibility for the unlawful surveillance.