Australian authorities are raising the alarm over a disturbing new trend in domestic violence, where perpetrators are exploiting smart car technology to control, monitor, and terrorise their victims. The nation's eSafety Commissioner has warned that connected vehicles are being turned into "weapons on wheels," with a significant increase in reports of such abuse.
Technology-Facilitated Abuse on the Rise
The office of the eSafety Commissioner has recorded a sharp rise in calls to its dedicated tech abuse support line. In response to this surge, the commissioner has published a detailed advisory outlining the alarming patterns emerging across the country. Technology-facilitated abuse is described as insidious, damaging, and dangerous, often deployed before victims even realise what is happening to them.
Modern vehicles equipped with internet connectivity and companion smartphone apps are the new tools of coercion. Abusers who have or gain access to these systems can exploit features designed for convenience to exert relentless control. This includes using GPS tracking to monitor a victim's real-time location, remotely locking car doors to trap them, and utilising geofencing or "kill switch" functions to prevent the vehicle from being driven beyond a set perimeter.
The 'Digital Leash' Extends Beyond the Car
This form of abuse is not confined to the family car. The eSafety Commissioner's advisory notes that the problem is part of a broader pattern of technology-facilitated coercion. Perpetrators are also misusing a wide array of connected devices to stalk and intimidate, including:
- Smartphones and smartwatches
- Home security systems and smart doorbells
- Baby monitors and smart home appliances
- Even internet-connected devices like robot vacuums
As connected car technology becomes standard in more Australian vehicles, the risks are growing. Victims have described the experience as being tethered by a "digital leash," with their freedom severely curtailed by the very technology marketed for safety and convenience.
Calls for Industry to Prioritise Safety
Advocates and frontline domestic violence workers are now urging technology and automotive companies to take immediate action. They are calling for safety to be a core design principle in all smart features. Key demands include:
- Clear and accessible audit logs so users can see who has accessed their vehicle's systems.
- Safer default privacy and access settings from the moment a vehicle is purchased.
- Simple, straightforward processes for users to revoke access permissions for other accounts.
"These companies implement these systems to promote safety," advocates argue. "Therefore, they must take decisive action to minimise the risks of these features being weaponised." The warning serves as a critical reminder of the dual-edged nature of modern innovation, where tools of convenience can be twisted into instruments of fear.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, always call 000. Men concerned about their use of family violence can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 for advice and counselling.
