IoT devices aren’t people. How could they be involved in domestic abuse? A terrible event that clearly involves people.
First of all, let’s make sure we define IoT or Internet of Things. These are devices that usually contain automation software and communicate through a network in order to perform tasks for their users. Some you may be familiar with, if not own.
Smart Assistants: Amazon Alexa, Google Home
Home Systems: Smart door locks, cameras, lights, security systems.
Wearables: Apple Watch or FitBit, medical devices
As these devices are used in the home, their functionality is blind to family dynamics. Designed to provide convenience and information, they are indifferent actors when a family member uses these automated devices against another member.
The same devices that you may use to watch out for burglars or see if your kids got home can have their original purpose be perverted by abusive people or people with malicious intent to invade or stalk or virtually imprison other family members.
Devices and services meant to help can easily become eyes and ears to prevent a family member from leaving home or track their whereabouts gradually to keep them restricted.
One of the reasons is that user control of IoT devices in the home is often set up and shared unequally. In most cases, they are under the control of the original user name and/or family member it was set up with. And in many cases, the person can be more tech-savvy than other family members.
So if something in the family dynamic changes, for instance, an angry or controlling person is removed from the home, the spouse, even though out of the home, may who set up the device have access to devices in order to spy.
As reported in The New York Times and The Guardianwho retell stories about domestic abuse…
The perpetrators not only spy on their ex-partners, but can cause havoc with bursts of music, sudden changes in lighting or temperature and other attempts at intimidation. Victims of this kind of abuse reported air conditioners being remotely switched off, code numbers of digital front door locks being mysteriously changed every day, doorbells that ring incessantly without anyone being outside and so on. These stories, says the NYT, are part of a new pattern of behaviour in domestic abuse cases in which “the newest conveniences are now also being used as a means for harassment, monitoring, revenge and control”.
An abuser can also ad spyware or an automated bot to another person’s computer to view email, text and messages. In doing so, coerce compliance by knowing they are being monitored. Some may even take control of their phones since, like most of us, our lives live in it.
The products are not at fault for domestic abuse.
They are designed to serve the user. At the same time, UX is about empathy. What I’m suggesting is maybe it’s time to apply that empathy to the domestic experience.
As we design the next generation of IoT devices and systems that become our eyes and ears, we should design to address that need.
Possibly building into the device onboarding process of what I would call a whisper code, something a direct family member could use to disable or override a feature to give them space.
Or, at minimum, product designers can craft onboarding experiences within the devices or system that encourage all key family members to make sure their identity and user preferences are part of the process. Think about it in the same way that a couple might be encouraged to share a joint bank account which allows continuity if something happens to the other partner.
What do you think? What would you suggest to avoid our automated devices from being involved in domestic abuse? If this hits too close to home below are options to find out more.
Resources for Addressing IoT Domestic Abuse
Resources and information on the use of technology for agencies and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and trafficking. The toolkits on this site contain helpful information for victim service agencies and survivors.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Reach out a professional to answer your questions and support you or call
1-800-799-7233.