My ex installed a tracker app on the child — what now?
Two-parent consent required (Dutch Civil Code Book 1 custody). Unilateral install = GDPR breach + possible stalking. Family court + Veilig Thuis.
On joint parental authority, both parents must together decide on processing of child data (Dutch Civil Code Book 1 + UAVG Art. 5). Unilateral installation of a tracker app by one parent without other parent's consent = GDPR breach AND often criminal behaviour (Sr Art. 138ab computer trespass + 285b stalking at high intensity). What is in child's best interest? Under 16: parent may install tracker if both parents consent + child knows + proportional. Covert + in relationship-conflict context = often red flag for controlling other parent through child. Routes: (1) Veilig Thuis 0800-2000 (24/7, anonymous) — for risk assessment + advice. (2) Directly remove app: check phone (Settings → Apps → unknown tracker apps). Apple Find My family status. Ask child what apps are installed. (3) Address ex in writing — demand removal + evidence. (4) Family court on persistent behaviour — request urgent decision on custody exercise. (5) Police report: stalking via child = form of controlling ex. Sr Art. 285b. (6) GDPR route: AP complaint on large-scale or structural use by ex (almost always with commercial tracker apps that have child as "user"). Slachtofferhulp + lawyer: on contested divorce = often legal support via Legal Aid Council.
Step by step
Call Veilig Thuis for risk assessment
0800-2000, 24/7, anonymous. Specialty: family dynamics + control patterns.
Remove tracker app from child phone
Settings → Apps. iOS Find My family status. Ask child which apps.
Family court urgent decision
On persistent behaviour — subsidised legal aid via Council.
Stalking report on serious control
Sr Art. 285b — controlling ex via child falls under this.
Sources
🔎 Common search variants
Recognise your own search? Our answer above covers these too.
- “ex installs tracker child”
- “co-parenting tracker app”
- “find my child ex”
- “tracking child ex”