Refuge's Tech Safety Newsletter May 2024
Calling all Smartphone users!
Apples iOS 17.5 is expected to land on devices in May. It will come with a host of updates, including third-party tracking alerts. We’ve seen incidents in recent years of smart tracking devices deployed by perpetrators of abuse to stalk their victims. It’s been a point of concern for the VAWG sector for some time now. Since then, Apple and Google have been working to create a system where, regardless of who manufactures your device, you’ll get notified if a tracking device not linked to your accounts is following you. The iOS 17.5 update brings this functionality to compatible apple devices, meaning you should be alerted if a device is traveling with you… even if that device isn’t an Apple product.
It’s worth noting that if you have an older iPhone, you may not be getting the new iOS updates. If you think this might be you, check online with Apple support. If your device wont be getting new updates, you might want to consider if your current phone is still working for you. Without these updates you won’t be getting vital security fixes, either.
Android users aren’t left out in terms of updates. Google announced earlier this month that they’re rolling out their updated ‘find my device’ application. The roll out will start in the US and Canada and we can expect a staggered worldwide roll out to follow. You’ll be able to use other Nest compatible smart devices (if you have them) to locate lost or misplaced devices, and even located compatible offline devices (Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro).
Whilst the forgetful individuals among us might be glad for this update, survivors of technology-facilitated abuse should be cautious. We recognise that for women who are experiencing technology-facilitated abuse having a mobile device that can be found, even when offline, could pose an additional risk. If you’re unsure if your accounts and devices are safe, or want to be able to signpost survivors to a space to check their online safety, you can find resources online at refugetechsafety.org
Government announces creation of sexually explicit ‘deepfakes’ will be made illegal
The Ministry of Justice announced on 16 April that a new law will be introduced to address the creation of intimate image ‘deepfakes’, which are digitally altered images or videos created by AI tools. Under the new offence, to be introduced via the Criminal Justice Bill, perpetrators who make sexually explicit ‘deepfakes’ without consent would face a criminal record and an unlimited fine.
Refuge welcomed this new offence as an important step forward in tackling AI-enabled harms to women and girls, and we pay tribute to the work of campaigners such as Professor Clare McGlynn in securing this change. The overwhelming majority of deepfakes found online are non-consensual pornography portraying women. However, we have concerns over how this new law will be policed and enforced. The offence will be based on the perpetrator’s intention to cause alarm, humiliation or distress, which can often be hard to prove.
In response to the announcement, the largest deepfake sexual abuse websites blocked access to UK users, as did a nudification app. The government also recently criminalised the sharing of deepfake intimate images.
Cyberstalking
Stalkerware Beware– Intrusive, Invasive, and Insidious
Information provided by National Domestic Abuse Helpline Tech Lead
Stalkerware is the term used for tools that enable someone to covertly monitor someone else’s private and personal life using their devices. This is generally used on mobile devices and can, despite common misbeliefs, be installed on iOS as well as Android systems.
There are many apps available and are often marketed as parental control or monitoring software. These tools are extremely intrusive with features that allow for a frightening amount of information to be monitored including location information, live listening to calls and capturing activity on messages and other communication apps.
Stalkerware is becoming easier to use and harder to detect.
Stalkerware is a global concern, and the use of these tools is ever increasing. At Refuge Stalkerware is a prevalent issue and a common concern for our survivors seeking support from the Technology Facilitated Abuse Team.
If you want to learn more about stalkerware you can listen to our podcast “in conversation with” Martjin Grooten and Eva Galperin, both members of the Coalition Against Stalkerware.
You can find further information on the Coalition Against Stalkerware here: https://stopstalkerware.org/
The Refuge Technology Facilitated Abuse Team can offer support to survivors experiencing concerns around their technology, including concerns of stalkerware. Support can be found by calling the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 from a safe and secure device where possible, or by visiting our Tech Safety Website.
Technology-facilitated Abuse and Economic Empowerment Strategy Launch Event
On Wednesday 1st May Refuge’s Technology-facilitated Abuse and Economic Empowerment Team hosted colleagues and partner organisations at our head office to talk through the new strategy, and to get a better understanding of how we can continue to build networks and work collaboratively.
Emma Pickering, Head of Technology-Facilitated Abuse and Economic Empowerment spoke about the aims and objectives for the coming few years, and how we plan to achieve them.
The 5 key strategic priorities highlighted are:
Raising Awareness of Technology-facilitated Abuse and Economic Abuse,
Recognised as thought leaders in the sector,
Drive legislative and policy changes to improve responses for survivors,
Improve responses for survivors by increasing agency awareness,
Build partnerships to share and grow our expertise and expand our impact.
The group then split into smaller breakout sessions to gather feedback, share learning, and identify where we can build on working in partnership with others, to collaboratively tackle technology-facilitated abuse.
We’d like to thank everyone that attended for their input and engagement.