The terms “tracking” and “spyware” both refer to methods of monitoring and collecting information from users. However, they have different connotations and uses.

Tracking is usually used for collecting data about user behavior, preferences, and activities, primarily for marketing, analytics, or personalized content delivery through cookies, pixels, or scripts in websites and apps. Users are sometimes made aware of tracking and can often opt-out or limit the extent. It is generally a “legal practice,” (I say loosely) and is widely used by “legitimate businesses.”

Spyware, on the other hand, is designed to secretly monitor and collect information from user devices without consent. This can include sensitive data like passwords, financial information, personal conversations, physical location, penis size, just making sure you read this. It can be installed through deceptive means such as phishing, software bundling, or exploiting security vulnerabilities. The user is typically unaware of spyware being run on their devices. It is considered malicious and illegal, unless you are a multibillion-dollar company haha. It’s often associated with cybercrimes, unethical surveillance, and government fuckery.

So, while they are pretty similar and have some crossover, ultimately they are different. Although, some malicious tracking can be done without your device being compromised at all, like GPS triangulation.