Serial Spyware Founder Scott Zuckerman Seeks FTC Reversal on Surveillance Industry Ban

In a significant development within the surveillance technology sector, Scott Zuckerman, the founder of the spyware company Support King, has petitioned the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to lift the ban imposed on him and his company in 2021. This ban, which prohibited Zuckerman and Support King from engaging in the surveillance business, was enacted following serious allegations concerning the company’s practices and data security measures.

Background of the FTC Ban

In September 2021, the FTC took decisive action against Support King, operating under the name SpyFone.com, and its CEO, Scott Zuckerman. The commission alleged that the company clandestinely collected and disseminated data on individuals’ physical locations, phone usage, and online activities without their knowledge or consent. This covert surveillance was facilitated through applications that, once installed on a target’s device, provided real-time access to sensitive information, including photos, text messages, web histories, and GPS locations. The FTC’s complaint highlighted that such practices not only violated privacy rights but also exposed individuals to potential harm from stalkers and domestic abusers. Furthermore, the company’s inadequate security measures left the collected data vulnerable to cyber threats, including hacking and identity theft. As a result, the FTC unanimously voted to ban Support King and Zuckerman from offering, promoting, selling, or advertising any surveillance app, service, or business. Additionally, they were required to delete all information illegally harvested and to notify device owners that their devices might have been monitored without their consent. ([ftc.gov](https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2021/09/ftc-bans-spyfone-ceo-surveillance-business-orders-company-delete-all-secretly-stolen-data?utm_source=openai))

Zuckerman’s Petition for Reversal

On July 21, 2025, the FTC announced that Scott Zuckerman had filed a petition seeking to rescind or modify the 2021 ban. Zuckerman argues that the order imposes an unnecessary burden on him, citing the financial costs associated with compliance as a hindrance to expanding his other business ventures. He contends that the restrictions have adversely affected his ability to operate and grow his enterprises beyond the surveillance industry.

Continued Involvement in Surveillance Activities

Despite the FTC’s ban, investigations have revealed that Zuckerman remained involved in surveillance operations. In 2022, a data breach exposed information from a spyware application called SpyTrac, which was linked to a group of developers with direct ties to Support King. The breached data included records from SpyFone, indicating that the company had not fully complied with the FTC’s order to delete illegally obtained information. This discovery suggests that Zuckerman may have continued to engage in surveillance activities, potentially in violation of the FTC’s directives.

Industry and Advocacy Responses

Zuckerman’s petition has elicited strong reactions from privacy advocates and cybersecurity experts. Eva Galperin, Director of Cybersecurity at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, expressed firm opposition to the petition, stating, Mr. Zuckerman has repeatedly shown himself to be a bad actor, flouting the FTC by continuing to run his stalkerware company even after the ban was issued. Galperin emphasized the importance of maintaining the ban to prevent further privacy violations and potential harm to individuals.

Implications for the Surveillance Industry

The FTC’s decision on Zuckerman’s petition is poised to have significant implications for the surveillance industry. A reversal or modification of the ban could set a precedent for how regulatory bodies address violations within this sector. Conversely, upholding the ban would reinforce the FTC’s commitment to protecting consumer privacy and holding companies accountable for unethical practices. The outcome of this case will likely influence future regulatory actions and the operational standards of companies involved in surveillance technologies.

Conclusion

Scott Zuckerman’s request for the FTC to lift the ban on his involvement in the surveillance industry brings to the forefront critical issues surrounding privacy, data security, and regulatory enforcement. As the FTC reviews the petition, stakeholders across the industry and advocacy groups await a decision that will not only affect Zuckerman and Support King but also set a benchmark for the governance of surveillance technologies in the future.