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The article calls this out to an extent. The problem here, is if you unplug it, the abuser knows, and often then physical retribution, or at least abuse escalat

The article calls this out to an extent. The problem here, is if you unplug it, the abuser knows, and often then physical retribution, or at least abuse escalation can occur. It's a VERY difficult problem to solve IMO. At least being on equal footing with everyone in the household so it's not seen as an avenue of control (which most domestic abuse scenarios are all about) would be a great first step.

jstarfish 8y ago
If there is one to be found, the solution to this is not going to be a technical one. Local switches and use of passwords can still be monitored or disabled. Tape on cameras will attract retribution. You literally cannot beat the house at its own game. In a few states I'm aware of, if you commit any form of domestic abuse and deprive the victim access to a phone, it's a separate charge. It can't/doesn't stop it from happening but it disincentivizes it by making the punishment worse. I suspect a lot of this IoT nonsense will eventually attract the same riders. A documented history of remotely tampering with locks or lights, blasting heat in the summer and blaring music at full volume in any context will eventually become factors in a case of abuse.
- floatingatoll 8y ago
  They can already be factors in a case of abuse today; it’s simply that few people know how to inspect and legally request the service access logs for their devices’ online services.
- GabeWeiss_ 8y ago
  I agree with this. I think the real solution is going to be to rewrite laws to account for digital abuses. This is still true not just domestically, but a lot of the large criminal actions don't take into account digital equivalence. They're catching up, slowly but surely, but it's definitely a slow process.
bluescrn 8y ago
If you're in a relationship where you fear retribution for turning off an annoying gadget, then the relationship is already abusive, and it's time to get out. The gadget is not the problem
- speedplane 8y ago
  True, but it’s another “attack vector”, and more nefarious in some ways because it can be couched as technical wherewithal.
- astura 8y ago
  Some people don't have the power to leave an abusive situation (children). Source: spent my entire childhood in a domestic abuse and domestic violence situation. Also abusers often work very hard to make it difficult for the abused to leave: make them quit their job, cut off their outside social ties, make them pregnant against their will, etc.
- GabeWeiss_ 8y ago
  Victim shaming isn't acceptable. Sorry. You're blaming the person being abused for not leaving. There's a MULTITUDE of reasons (as other comments have already stated) that people aren't enabled to get out of an abusive relationship.

jstarfish 8y ago

If there is one to be found, the solution to this is not going to be a technical one. Local switches and use of passwords can still be monitored or disabled. Tape on cameras will attract retribution. You literally cannot beat the house at its own game. In a few states I'm aware of, if you commit any form of domestic abuse and deprive the victim access to a phone, it's a separate charge. It can't/doesn't stop it from happening but it disincentivizes it by making the punishment worse. I suspect a lot of this IoT nonsense will eventually attract the same riders. A documented history of remotely tampering with locks or lights, blasting heat in the summer and blaring music at full volume in any context will eventually become factors in a case of abuse.

floatingatoll 8y ago
They can already be factors in a case of abuse today; it’s simply that few people know how to inspect and legally request the service access logs for their devices’ online services.
GabeWeiss_ 8y ago
I agree with this. I think the real solution is going to be to rewrite laws to account for digital abuses. This is still true not just domestically, but a lot of the large criminal actions don't take into account digital equivalence. They're catching up, slowly but surely, but it's definitely a slow process.

bluescrn 8y ago

If you're in a relationship where you fear retribution for turning off an annoying gadget, then the relationship is already abusive, and it's time to get out. The gadget is not the problem

speedplane 8y ago
True, but it’s another “attack vector”, and more nefarious in some ways because it can be couched as technical wherewithal.
astura 8y ago
Some people don't have the power to leave an abusive situation (children). Source: spent my entire childhood in a domestic abuse and domestic violence situation. Also abusers often work very hard to make it difficult for the abused to leave: make them quit their job, cut off their outside social ties, make them pregnant against their will, etc.
GabeWeiss_ 8y ago
Victim shaming isn't acceptable. Sorry. You're blaming the person being abused for not leaving. There's a MULTITUDE of reasons (as other comments have already stated) that people aren't enabled to get out of an abusive relationship.