Technology-Facilitated Abuse and the Internet of Things (IoT): The Implication of Smart, Internet-Connected Devices on Domestic Violence and Abuse

Abstract

The so-called ‘internet of things’ or ‘IoT’ is an umbrella term for various emerging technologies that have begun to populate our homes, offices, and public/private infrastructure. IoT describes physical and digital systems – often devices that were previously ‘offline’ and therefore analogue – which are now network-capable and can, thus, be connected to each other via the internet. The possibilities that arise from linking devices and the resulting data collection explain why IoT products are commonly associated with the term ‘smart’. This chapter examines the effects these ‘smart’ systems have on people experiencing domestic violence and abuse. The chapter reflects on the current state of the technology-enabled abuse literature and draws insights from an ongoing research project at University College London. After a description of the potential socio-technical risks that arise from IoT devices, feasible interventions are discussed.

Keywords: tech abuse, technology-facilitated abuse, domestic abuse, domestic violence, Internet of Things, IoT