Domestic Abusers Exploiting Technology to Harass Victims, Warns Committee
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 use of smart home security systems, baby monitors, cameras, and smart speakers as tools for abuse. These devices are enabling perpetrators to extend their reach and inflict harm without being physically present. The committee has called on the government to address this issue, which they have dubbed “tech abuse.”
Chairwoman Dame Caroline Dinenage expressed her alarm at the rise of this form of domestic abuse. The committee cited data from domestic abuse charity Refuge, which revealed that 59% of the women and children they supported in 2020-2021 had experienced technology-related abuse.
The committee believes that the UK’s law enforcement and criminal justice system are ill-equipped to handle tech abuse, which is expected to become even more prevalent in the future. They have recommended measures such as providing specialized training for workers in relevant sectors and increasing awareness of support services for victims and survivors.
In addition, the committee has urged the government to improve official crime data on tech abuse to support researchers, specialists, and policymakers in developing a comprehensive response. They propose the formation of a “tech abuse working group” led by the Office for Product Safety and Standards, bringing together researchers, support services, and public agencies.
The committee also expressed concerns about the use of connected technology in schools and by children in their homes. They called on the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) to engage more actively 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.
Dame Caroline Dinenage emphasized that while technology offers many benefits, it also poses risks to privacy and personal safety online. She urged the government to collaborate with manufacturers to address technology-facilitated abuse, which is expected to worsen in the future.
A government spokesperson reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling domestic abuse and highlighted the cross-government Tackling Domestic Abuse Plan and significant funding dedicated to prevention, victim support, and perpetrator pursuit. They also mentioned forthcoming cybersecurity standards and the Online Safety Bill, which aims to make the UK the safest place to be online.
The committee’s findings underscore the urgent need for action to protect victims of domestic abuse from technology-enabled harassment.