Are Smart Home Devices Being Exploited By Domestic Abusers?

Smart home technology has a lot of benefits, whether it’s keeping your house secure, reducing your energy bills, or just making life that little bit easier. There could be a downside to all the technology, however. The New York Times has conducted a range of interviews with domestic abuse survivors, who are telling the harrowing tale of what happens when you give all this technology to a domestic abuser.

Smart speakers offer a convenient way to control a smart home and get questions answered, but domestic abusers are supposedly using the technology to harass their victims. One survivor described how her abuser used to blast music in the house which kept her under constant stress. Others described how they weren’t allowed to choose the music, and it was kept under the control of their abuser.

It’s not just the ever-popular smart speakers, however. One technology that has been designed to keep homeowners safe, is also making domestic abuse victims feel trapped in their own home. That’s because quite a few survivors spoke about how their abusers installed smart security cameras, allowing them to track their every move. Two-way microphones also enabled the abuser to hurl abuse at the victim, even when they’re not home.

Connected security cameras are becoming increasingly affordable, and are also incredibly easy to install. The fact that one person typically controls the selection and installation of smart home technology, it’s easy for that person to then turn that technology against their partner. For instance, someone who has all the passwords to their smart thermostat, could easily turn their house into a sweat box.

Another instance was a victim who found the code on their front door changing on a day-to-day basis. This meant the abuser had complete control on when the victim was allowed inside the house. Victims have also reported their abuser consistently ringing the doorbell, even when someone isn’t there.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like there’s a simple way for abusers to get out of the circle of smart home abuse. Technology manufacturers recommend that they turn off the Wi-Fi router, or reset the devices individually, however this is not always possible. Thankfully, there is help for domestic abusers, with a variety of charities available all around the world.