• spyware collects data/information about a person, such as internet surfinghabits, passwords, log in details, monitors keystrokes / keylogger, accesses data stored on the device

• spyware is hidden from the user/is anonymous - the user is not aware of its presence (hence the name: it is like a spy) and has not given consent

• spyware can have different functions

  • some spyware only collects data and monitors what the user does

  • others can install additional software

  • start controlling the computer (for example hijacking the modem, controlling the camera etc.)

  • can weaken the computer security by disabling firewalls and antivirus software

  • can detect when the user is engaged in suspicious activity

  • can access the content of emails sent and received

• spyware can take different forms such as adware or trojan horses

• spyware is usually regarded as malicious and harmful, but not always, for example when used by law enforcement and security/intelligence agencies

• spyware is installed on a user’s computer without their knowledge. Note to examiners: The question stem does not make a clear distinction between “spyware” and “monitoring software”. The terms should therefore be regarded as equivalent/synonymous in candidates’ responses.

Award [1] for identifying each feature of spyware up to a maximum of [2].

Advantages of using automated keyword detection

• the suspicious message could be stopped even before it appears on the

• automated keyword detection is immediate and can instantaneously draw parents’ attention to suspicious messages and their authors

• there is no need for parents to read through all the messages

• the system may help discourage children who know they are being monitored from sending suspicious messages.

Disadvantages of using automated keyword detection

• some terms may be wrongly detected as sign of cyberbullying when in fact they are innocuous in context

• some people may use alternative spelling or leetspeak to go around this issue, for example “I8u” for “I hate you”. Teenage language evolves more rapidly than the software could incorporate new keywords

• cyberbullying is not just about words but also tone, style, intention, sarcasm, which automated keyword detection could not spot

• not all cyberbullying is carried out through text (e.g. image-based) so a key word detector would not be effective in these cases

• the software might only be able to detect keywords in certain commonly-spoken languages.

Reasons why it is acceptable

• parents may want to control the contents of websites that their child is going toaccess

• parents may be worried about who contacts their child online and what messagesthey exchange/gives parents a sense of relief of knowing what their child is up to

• parents are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of their child and feel it is theirduty, as parents, to monitor their child’s online activities

• parents pay for the mobile devices, in most cases, so they feel that have the right toknow how, when and for what purpose the devices are used.

Reasons why it is not acceptable

• children have a right to privacy, which these apps refute and deny

• the use of apps could involve data being sent to the app developers whichpotentially introduces new privacy issues

• children may not know that their parents monitor their messages and onlineactivities, which can be detrimental to trust and honesty within the family

• there is no consent: the children may not be asked whether they agree or not

• younger children may need to be protected, but teenagers may feel they have aright to exchange messages in all confidentiality with other people, without theirparents spying on them.

Marking note: Do not accept references to hacking. The question is about the acceptability of parents monitoring their child’s online activities

Refer to generic markband information sheet