Witnesses Say Apps Increase Stalkers’ Capabilities

WASHINGTON (AP) - Witnesses at a congressional hearing say stalking victims face new threats in an era of smartphones and mobile apps. And they're calling on Congress to regulate them more closely.

A subcommittee of the Senate Judiciary Committee focused Wednesday on so-called stalking apps that can be installed on phones. Minnesota Sen. Al Franken has reintroduced legislation that would ban some apps and require companies to seek permission before collecting location data or sharing the information.

Cindy Southworth is the vice president at the National Network to End Domestic Violence. She says some apps have created new avenues for stalkers to track their victims. Southworth says new apps give stalkers more power.

Industry groups say they support efforts to curb stalking but don't want an overly broad bill to become law.