The Dark Side of Technology: Abusers' New Tools for Control
In a chilling development, domestic abusers are exploiting AI and digital technology to exert control over their victims, a disturbing trend highlighted by a leading domestic abuse charity.
A Rising Threat
The charity's data reveals a stark increase in cases where technology is used as a weapon, with a record number of women seeking help in the last quarter of 2025. The most complex cases rose by a staggering 62%, totaling 829 women, and referrals of those under 30 increased by 24%.
The Tech Arsenal
Perpetrators are employing a range of devices, from smartwatches and Oura rings to Fitbits, to track and stalk their victims. Smart home devices that control lighting and heating are also being manipulated to disrupt victims' lives. And with AI spoofing apps, abusers can even impersonate others, adding a new layer of manipulation.
A Wake-Up Call for Tech Companies
Emma Pickering, head of Refuge's tech-facilitated abuse team, emphasizes the need for tech companies to consider the potential for harm when bringing new devices to market. "It's unacceptable that women's safety is an afterthought," she says. "Their safety must be a core principle in the design and regulation of wearable technology."
Real-Life Impact: Mina's Story
Mina, a survivor supported by Refuge, shares her terrifying experience. In her rush to escape her abuser, she left her smartwatch behind, only to have it used against her. Her abuser tracked her through linked cloud accounts, locating her emergency accommodation. "It was shocking and frightening," she says. "I felt exposed and unsafe, knowing my movements were being monitored without my consent."
The Failure of Systems
Despite Mina reporting the breaches to the police, she was told no crime had been committed. She was repeatedly asked to move for her safety, but the technology was not addressed directly. "Each move made me feel more unstable and displaced," she adds. Mina's story highlights the need for better understanding and response to tech-facilitated abuse within systems.
The Power of AI Manipulation
Pickering warns that abusers are increasingly using AI tools to manipulate survivors. For instance, altering videos to make a survivor appear drunk, which can then be used to report them to social services as an unfit mother or a risk to themselves and others. Pickering also highlights the potential for AI to create fraudulent documents, such as job offers or legal summons, to manipulate survivors further.
The Future: Medical Tech Misuse
With concerns rising, Pickering fears that medical technology, such as diabetes trackers, could be misused to control insulin levels, with potentially fatal consequences. She urges the government to take action, including investing in digital investigations teams and holding the technology industry accountable for designing safe devices and platforms for vulnerable people.
Government Response
A government spokesperson acknowledges the priority of tackling violence against women and girls, both online and offline. The new VAWG strategy aims to utilize the full power of the state to address these issues, including working with Ofcom to tackle the disproportionate abuse faced by women and girls online.
A Call to Action
As we navigate this digital age, it's crucial to recognize the potential for abuse and take proactive measures to protect vulnerable individuals. The question remains: How can we ensure that technology is developed and regulated with the safety and well-being of all users as a top priority?
