Abusers are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence and various devices to exert control over their victims. Stalkers are now fabricating fake job interview requests or court summonses, deceiving victims into meeting them at predetermined locations. A UK charity that aids women in crisis, Refuge, has revealed a staggering rise in cases of technology-facilitated violence and control, with referrals increasing by 62% from January to September 2025 compared to the previous year. Furthermore, stalkers are discreetly monitoring their targets through smartwatches, fitness trackers, and even Oura smart rings. There is a concerning trend of abusers utilizing smart-home technology to dominate women's home environments. Emma Pickering, a senior leader at Refuge, has raised alarms about the potential future dangers posed by AI-driven devices in the hands of stalkers. She highlights a chilling scenario: if a stalker were to gain control over a woman's smart insulin pump, it could lead to life-threatening situations. This underscores the urgent need for authorities and technology companies to focus more on preventing such perilous abuse situations.
Informational material. 18+.
