Understanding Technology-Enabled Abuse in Modern Relationships

In today’s interconnected world, technology plays a pivotal role in our personal relationships, enhancing communication and bridging distances. Yet, this same technology can be exploited to harm, giving rise to an alarming issue: technology-enabled abuse. This form of abuse occurs when digital tools are used to manipulate, control, or intimidate a partner, often through covert surveillance and privacy violations. From GPS tracking misuse to hidden stalkerware apps, abusers can exploit technology to infringe on a partner’s autonomy and privacy.

Exploring Technology-Enabled Abuse

The Coalition Against Stalkerware is dedicated to raising awareness about this growing problem and helping individuals protect their digital lives. Coalition members like Kaspersky and Malwarebytes are contributing to this mission with resources that provide deeper insights into technology-enabled abuse. Their recent reports, including Kaspersky’s “2024 Report on Technology-Enabled Abuse in Relationships” and Malwarebytes’ “Modern Love,” reveal the shocking prevalence of this abuse and its devastating effects.

Key Findings from Recent Research

The Kaspersky 2024 Report on Technology-Enabled Abuse underscores troubling trends in the misuse of technology for control and harassment. Key findings include:

Image Abuse:

• 39% of individuals aged 25-34 have shared intimate images with someone they’ve never met in person.
• Nearly half of people reported experiencing or knowing someone affected by intimate image abuse.

Stalkerware Threat:

• Kaspersky identified over 31,000 cases of stalkerware in 2023, marking a 6% increase from the previous year.
• This reversal of the downward trend from 2021 shows that digital stalking remains a serious global issue.

Malwarebytes’ “Modern Love” report further highlights:

Widespread Technology Exploitation:

Many people are unaware of how prevalent technology-enabled abuse is in relationships. Tools like location tracking apps, hidden spyware, and social media monitoring are frequently misused to violate privacy and manipulate partners.

Gendered Nature of Digital Abuse:

Women are disproportionately targeted by technology-enabled abuse, with higher rates of stalkerware installations and monitoring through shared accounts or devices. This highlights the need for gender-sensitive solutions and protective measures for at-risk groups.

How You Can Stay Safe

(1) Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the signs of technology-enabled abuse. Resources like Kaspersky’s “Digital Dating Dangers” booklet and the Coalition’s “Anti-Stalkerware Advice Guide” provide essential guidance.

(2) Practice Safe Technology Habits: Enable two-factor authentication, and frequently review app permissions to safeguard your privacy.

(3) Use Security Tools: Install trusted antivirus and anti-stalkerware software to scan your devices for malicious apps and programs.

(4) Seek Help: If you suspect you are being targeted by technology-enabled abuse, reach out to trusted organizations, such as domestic violence support hotlines. Find direct support organizations for certain countries on the Coalition’s website https://stopstalkerware.org/resources/

The Coalition’s Role in Combating Abuse

Through partnerships and educational campaigns, the Coalition Against Stalkerware has made significant strides in addressing this issue. Resources like the Coalition’s “Anti-Stalkerware Advice Guide” and community outreach programs aim to inform individuals about the warning signs of digital abuse and steps they can take to protect themselves. Collaborations with cybersecurity organizations have also led to the development of detection tools that help users identify and remove stalkerware from their devices.

About the Coalition Against Stalkerware

The Coalition Against Stalkerware’s mission remains clear: to eradicate technology-enabled abuse and create a safer digital world for everyone. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and awareness, we aim to ensure that technology is a tool for connection and empowerment—not control.

For more information and resources, visit www.coalitionagainststalkerware.org. Together, we can build a future free from digital abuse.