Smart Devices Exploited For Domestic Abuse
| Smart Devices Exploited For Domestic Abuse | |
|---|---|
| Short Title | Smart Devices Like Security Cameras, Smartwatches or Phones Used By Perpetrators to Monitor Their Victims |
| Location | Great Britain |
| Date | October 2020 |
| Solove Harm | Disclosure, Surveillance |
| Information | Location, Behavioral |
| Threat Actors | Abusers, Smart devices, Amazon, Google, Apple |
| Individuals | |
| Affected | Domestic abuse victims |
| High Risk Groups | Victim of Domestic Violence |
| Tangible Harms | |
Smart devices like security cameras, smartwatches, smartphones and others play a role in the number of domestic abuse cases increasing dramatically since the UK's Covid lockdown.
Description
Smart speakers, tracking apps and key-logging software are among products that have made it easier for perpetrators to maintain control of victims and continue abuse.
One perpetrator was using the Amazon's internet-connected security device - Ring doorbell camera to track his victim. Ring triggers alerts when it detects motion in front of a home and allows live footage or recordings to be watched from afar. This can be seen as an example of Disclosure.
Another victim of abuse explained how her partner used Amazon's virtual assistant to monitor her via a function that lets users remotely connect to enabled smart speakers and listen/speak via an intercom-like facility. She also said, even when she leaves, he can see her location through her smartwatch, or her phone or her iPad.Surveillance
Experts say, the perpetrator, who very often tends to be male, is the person that purchases the device and maintains the device.
Breakdown
Threat: Ring allowing the perpetrator access live footage or recordings of his victim of domestic abuse
At-Risk group: Domestic abuse victims
Harm: Disclosure
Secondary Consequences: Anxiety, Bodily Harm
Threat: Perpetrator watching his victim through Ring camera, her smartwatch, phone or iPad
At-Risk group: Domestic abuse victims
Harm: Surveillance
Secondary Consequences: Anxiety, Bodily Harm