Domestic Abusers Exploiting Technology to Harass Victims, Warn MPs
MPs have raised concerns about the increasing use of technology by domestic abusers to monitor and control their victims. The Culture, Media and Sport Committee has highlighted the surge in the use of devices such as smart home security systems, baby monitors, cameras, and smart speakers to perpetrate domestic abuse. This form of abuse allows perpetrators to broaden and intensify their control over victims without needing to be physically present. Chairwoman Dame Caroline Dinenage described this rise in tech abuse as “truly chilling.”
The committee referred to data from domestic abuse charity Refuge, which revealed that 59% of the women and children it supported in 2020-2021 had experienced abuse involving technology. However, the committee expressed concerns that the UK’s law enforcement and criminal justice system are ill-equipped to handle this type of abuse, which is likely to become even more prevalent in the future.
To address this issue, the committee has called on the government to take action against tech abuse. They recommended “upskilling” workers in relevant sectors and increasing awareness of specialist services among law enforcement, victims, and survivors. Additionally, they urged the government to improve official crime data on tech abuse to develop a more comprehensive response.
The committee also emphasized the need for a “tech abuse working group” led by the Office for Product Safety and Standards. This group would bring together researchers, support services, and public services to address tech abuse effectively. The committee stressed that this group should go beyond mere discussion and eventually produce guidance and a code of practice.
MPs also expressed concerns about the use of connected technology in schools and by children at home. They highlighted worries about the harvesting and third-party use of children’s data, as well as their lack of control over technology usage. The committee criticized the government and Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for dismissing their concerns about this issue. They called on the ICO to engage with manufacturers of connected toys and education technology to ensure age-appropriate terms and conditions, intuitive privacy settings, and clear explanations of data processing risks.
Chairwoman Dame Caroline Dinenage acknowledged the benefits of technology but emphasized the risks it poses to privacy and personal safety online. She urged the government to prioritize collaboration with manufacturers to tackle technology-facilitated abuse, which is expected to worsen in the future.
In response, a government spokesperson highlighted their commitment to tackling domestic abuse through the cross-government Tackling Domestic Abuse Plan and significant funding. They also mentioned upcoming cybersecurity standards and the Online Safety Bill, which aims to make the UK the safest place to be online.
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