Smart home devices, from voice assistants to internet-connected doorbells, are designed to make life easier and safer. However, a new study from University College London warns that these gadgets could be turned into tools for domestic abuse, allowing abusers to monitor and control their victims.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is growing rapidly, with an estimated 27 billion connected devices in 2017, expected to reach 125 billion by 2030. While these devices offer convenience—such as remote control of lights, thermostats, and security cameras—they also collect vast amounts of data about users' movements and habits.
Researchers highlight that features like administrative accounts, which give one person control over a system, can be exploited. Internet-connected locks can restrict movement, cameras can monitor activity from anywhere, and voice assistants can reveal search history and personal data. The study notes that many apps designed for child safety or device tracking can also be used to track partners without consent.
Leonie Tanczer, lead investigator of the Gender and IoT project at UCL, said that developers often do not consider misuse when designing these systems. The findings come as sales of smart devices have surged by up to 30% during the coronavirus pandemic, as people seek safer homes.
While smart homes can enhance security, the study urges greater awareness of the potential for technology-enabled abuse, calling for developers to address these risks in their designs.
