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posted by CoolHand on Tuesday June 26 2018, @12:09PM   Printer-friendly
from the my-thermostat-is-holding-me-hostage dept.

The New York Times reports a disturbing increase in the use of "smart" devices in domestic abuse cases:

In more than 30 interviews with The New York Times, domestic abuse victims, their lawyers, shelter workers and emergency responders described how the technology was becoming an alarming new tool. Abusers - using apps on their smartphones, which are connected to the internet-enabled devices - would remotely control everyday objects in the home, sometimes to watch and listen, other times to scare or show power. Even after a partner had left the home, the devices often stayed and continued to be used to intimidate and confuse.

Connected home devices have increasingly cropped up in domestic abuse cases over the past year, according to those working with victims of domestic violence. Those at help lines said more people were calling in the last 12 months about losing control of Wi-Fi-enabled doors, speakers, thermostats, lights and cameras. Lawyers also said they were wrangling with how to add language to restraining orders to cover smart home technology.


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  • (Score: 1) by khallow on Wednesday June 27 2018, @11:28AM

    by khallow (3766) Subscriber Badge on Wednesday June 27 2018, @11:28AM (#699235) Journal

    Because we all know that restraining orders are soooooo effective.

    They're a lot better than nothing. Because now, with the legal system involved, the potential cost of continuing to harass the ex-spouse can mean fines and prison time.