The Culture, Media, and Sport Committee of the UK Parliament has issued a warning about the rising concern of tech-enabled domestic abuse facilitated by devices such as fitness trackers, home security systems, and baby monitors.
According to the committee’s findings, an average of nine “smart” products are present in UK households, which perpetrators are using to “monitor, harass, coerce, and control” victims. These devices, which include smart speakers and virtual assistants, are increasingly being utilized to collect recordings, images, and other data that can be exploited for abusive purposes.
Dame Caroline Dinenage, committee chair, emphasized that while connected technology has brought significant benefits to daily life, it also poses a real threat to privacy and personal safety online. She called upon the government to collaborate with manufacturers to address this concerning trend, emphasizing that technology-facilitated abuse is likely to escalate in the future.
Damen Caroline further advocated for better-equipped law enforcement and criminal justice systems to address the issue and urged for enhanced support for victims. The committee’s investigation, ongoing since May 2022, highlights the presence of a cyber element in the “vast majority” of domestic abuse cases, including the use of spyware and the monitoring of victims’ movements and personal data.
Children were identified as particularly vulnerable, not only to abuse but also to potential misuse of their personal information, especially given their propensity to use smart devices. The committee suggested implementing privacy settings and age-appropriate terms and conditions for products used by young people.
The Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales, Nicole Jacobs, echoed the sentiment, asserting that tech companies must take responsibility for addressing this issue rather than solely placing the burden on victims and survivors.
While the government has made strides in combating certain forms of tech abuse through the Online Safety Bill, the committee stressed the importance of addressing all tools used by perpetrators, including smart home devices.
A Government spokesperson emphasized their commitment to tackling domestic abuse and highlighted the Tackling Domestic Abuse Plan published in March 2022, along with substantial funding allocated to prevent offenses, support victims, and pursue perpetrators. They also mentioned forthcoming cybersecurity regulations and the imminent passage of the Online Safety Bill, which aims to establish the UK as the world’s safest online environment.
