How tech plays a role in domestic abuse
The article explores how common digital practices, such as sharing passwords or tracking family members, can be exploited to facilitate domestic abuse. It defines these behaviors as digital domestic abuse and highlights the risks associated with shared technology.
Why it matters
It raises awareness about the intersection of modern technology and interpersonal safety, emphasizing the need for digital boundaries.
Your romantic partner or a close family member asks you to share your smartphone PIN or email password with them. Would you do it?
For many Indians, exchanging personal information and security credentials is nothing out of the ordinary. For example, adults routinely manage their elderly parents’ finances online. Parents often use trackers or adult-managed apps to supervise their children’s phone use and ensure their safety. Couples might be operating a common social media channel from separate devices. Family members living together are likely to share phones, computers/laptops, cars, streaming app passwords, mobile/internet service plans, and access to smart devices.
However, the same data and gadgets shared amongst loved ones can just as easily be misused to carry out abuse.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in