Software exists that provides oversight of SMS communications occurring on devices using the Android operating system. Functionality typically includes logging message content, timestamps, and contact information. This type of application can be deployed on a smartphone or tablet to record and, in some cases, restrict text message activity.
The utilization of such software can be driven by a variety of needs, including parental controls to safeguard minors, employer monitoring of employee communications on company-owned devices, and personal data backup and analysis. Historically, these types of tools have evolved alongside the proliferation of mobile communication technologies, with increasing sophistication in features and capabilities to meet growing security and oversight demands.