Scott Zuckerman, the founder of a notorious spyware company, has petitioned the Federal Trade Commission to lift a 2021 ban that prohibits him from participating in the surveillance industry.

The move comes amid growing scrutiny of data privacy practices, with Zuckerman arguing that the ban is overly restrictive and hinders his ability to contribute to legitimate monitoring technologies.

In his petition, filed publicly on the FTC’s website, Zuckerman claims that circumstances have changed since the original order, citing his compliance efforts and the evolving landscape of surveillance tech. He seeks to vacate or modify the consent order, which stemmed from allegations that his company, Support King LLC, doing business as SpyFone, secretly harvested user data without adequate safeguards.

The Origins of the Ban

The FTC’s 2021 action against SpyFone and Zuckerman was detailed in a press release from the agency, which accused the company of enabling stalkerware that allowed users to secretly monitor others’ devices. Investigators found that SpyFone’s apps could track emails, locations, and personal communications without the target’s knowledge, posing severe risks to privacy and safety.

According to the FTC’s legal library documents, the company’s lax security practices led to a massive data breach, exposing sensitive information of thousands of victims to hackers. This failure not only violated consumer trust but also amplified dangers like domestic abuse, where such tools are often weaponized.

Zuckerman’s Defense and Petition Details

Zuckerman’s petition, as outlined in the FTC-filed document, emphasizes his purported rehabilitation, including steps to delete stolen data and avoid future violations. He argues that the ban prevents him from engaging in any surveillance-related activities, even those with potential societal benefits, such as child monitoring apps.

However, critics point out that Zuckerman was caught flouting the ban less than a year after it was imposed, as reported by TechCrunch in a recent article. This history raises questions about his commitment to ethical practices and whether lifting the ban would invite repeat offenses.

Consumer Risks in a Surveillance Comeback

If the FTC grants Zuckerman’s request, consumers could face heightened vulnerabilities in an already precarious digital ecosystem. Spyware like SpyFone’s has been linked to real-world harms, including stalking and identity theft, with the FTC’s original ban ordering the deletion of all illicitly collected data to mitigate ongoing threats.

Industry insiders warn that reintroducing figures like Zuckerman could erode progress in data protection regulations. As noted in a TechCrunch analysis, the surveillance sector is rife with abuses, and allowing banned operators back in might signal lax enforcement, encouraging others to skirt rules.

Broader Implications for Regulation

The petition arrives at a time when the FTC is soliciting public comments on the matter, as announced in their July 2025 press release. This process underscores the agency’s commitment to transparency but also highlights the challenges of balancing innovation with consumer safety.

Ultimately, granting Zuckerman’s plea could undermine years of FTC efforts to curb predatory surveillance practices. With data breaches on the rise, the potential for consumer harm—ranging from privacy invasions to physical dangers—looms large if oversight falters, according to insights from the FTC’s own business guidance blog on the case. As the commission weighs this decision, the surveillance industry’s future hangs in the balance, with consumer advocates urging a firm denial to protect vulnerable users.