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New research shows that a significant number of people believe tech-based tracking over partners is acceptable as techniques of tech-based coercive control become more normalised.
The eSafety Commissioner has announced a partnership with the Telco Together Foundation to raise awareness of tech-based coercive control, as a new survey conducted by the Social Research Centre shows an alarming level of normalisation of using tracking apps and other means to keep tabs on partners.
“There are many practical and safe reasons why two people in an intimate relationship might consent to sharing their passcodes, tracking each other or sending frequent messages to check where the other person is or what they’re doing,” eSafety commissioner Julie Inman Grant (pictured) said today (25 November) in a statement.
“What’s concerning about these findings is the normalisation of these expectations within any intimate relationship.”
The Social Research Centre survey polled 2,046 Australian adults on their attitudes to a range of technology-based behaviours and found that a significant cohort of generally younger men, particularly from non-English speaking backgrounds, believe that some level of tech-based coercive control is acceptable.
Of the respondents, 19.1 per cent believed their partner should be constantly available to respond to digital communications, and 23.3 per cent felt it was normal to want the codes or passwords to unlock their partner’s devices. Additionally, 13.6 per cent said it was reasonable to want to track a partner’s whereabouts, while 28.7 per cent felt it was normal to want to check how their partner looks in a photo before it’s posted online.
“In this age of ubiquitous tech, we need to be careful not to inadvertently erode a partner’s privacy, boundaries and agency simply because digital devices allow us to track, cross-check and recheck their every action, like and dislike,” Inman Grant said.
“If you’re on the receiving end of any of these behaviours or demands, especially with little or no regard for reciprocity or consent, please be vigilant. They could suggest a partner’s desire to keep tabs on you to control you.
“As we mark another 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, let’s remember that ending all forms of gender-based violence requires leadership right across society: government, community, the tech industry, and employers big and small.
“Australians are craving this leadership. Of the more than 80 per cent who agreed that employers should be distributing information and resources, almost 40 per cent of these were in strong agreement.
“We’re heeding that call by partnering with the Telco Together Foundation to champion and drive change by raising awareness of tech-based coercive control right across Australia.”
To that end, Telstra, Optus, TPG Telecom, Vocus, Aussie Broadband, Superloop, Uniti Group, Tangerine Telecom, More Telecom, and Indara will collaborate on a campaign to raise awareness of these challenges from 3 December. The “Love is” campaign will address the signs of tech-based coercive control.
“With direct access to nearly every business and household in the country, our industry holds an unparalleled ability to create meaningful, widespread change. This is both an immense responsibility and a powerful opportunity,” said Telco Together Foundation executive director Renee Bowker.
“The Industry’s DFV Pledge, signed by telco CEOs, symbolises a collective promise to take action, dedicate resources, and work together to drive long-term impact.
“This year, as part of the 16 Days of Activism and building on the DFV Pledge, we’re focused on empowering customers, businesses, and employees to recognise and address tech-based coercive control. Whether it’s being forced to share location data or dictating what can be shared online, these behaviours are deeply damaging and must be confronted.”
David Hollingworth has been writing about technology for over 20 years, and has worked for a range of print and online titles in his career. He is enjoying getting to grips with cyber security, especially when it lets him talk about Lego.
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