ASK THE ATTORNEY: Digital domestic violence in New York state: From text messages to tracking apps |
In the digital age, domestic abuse does not always involve physical harm.
Increasingly, abusive partners use various forms of technology, such as smartphones, AirTags, and Ring Cameras, smart home devices, and social media to monitor, harass, and control their victims. This type of domestic abuse is recognized as digital domestic violence or tech abuse, and New York law is evolving to address these threats.
These forms of technology could be used to track a victim’s location, monitor private conversations, or harass them online. Fortunately, New York law provides safeguards to protect victims from both physical and digital abuse.
Digital abuse can take many different forms, including:
• GPS tracking: Using AirTags, smart watches, or phone applications to monitor your movements or current location.
• Smart home device manipulation: Gaining unauthorized control of cameras, smart locks, Ring Cameras, or alarms to intimidate or track.
• Online harassment: Sending threats,........