This report analyses legal regulation of spyware. The term spyware is an umbrella term which embraces intrusive surveillance software that canbe used for interference with electronic devices, notably smartphones or computers, without theuser’s knowledge, and which allows the operator to penetrate the device and, depending on thespecific tool, track geolocation in real-time, read all data stored and all communications made(bypassing possible safeguards, such as encryption), and take control of whatever hardware andsoftware is available on the device, including microphones or cameras