Tracking smart cars - for all the wrong reasons
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (376169)
Rockingham, Australia
December 2, 2025 6:08pm CST
There was an interesting news article a few days ago regarding smart cars which are connected to the internet. Domestic violence perpetrators are using the technology to not only track their victims, but also start the engine, stop the cars and send alerts.
Smart cars linked to apps and cloud accounts allow coercive control of others. Since its launch some 12 months ago, Australia’s eSafety Commission's Technology-Facilitated Abuse Service has had numerous calls for information and advice.
It will be interesting to see what steps authorities will take to counteract the problem.
19 people like this
16 responses
@DaddyEvil (170968)
• United States
3 Dec
That is so bizarre... How did the manufacturers of smart cars not see a problem with that?
My insurance company keeps telling me I can save $5 a month on my insurance if I download their app on my phone. I don't let my phone track my location. Why would I let my car insurance company track me, watch how fast I drive and other stupid things? I'll keep paying them $5 a month for my privacy.
3 people like this
@DaddyEvil (170968)
• United States
3 Dec
@JudyEv Thank you. There's no reason to be more connected than we need to be.
1 person likes this
@ptrikha_2 (49485)
• India
7 Dec
This is a bad impact of Technology. Smart cars were conceptualized as useful for easier driving and safety.
However, in the hands of bad folks, this situation has arisen.
That means that the Australian eSafety Commission's Technology-Facilitated Abuse Service has a lot of tasks on its hands to combat this situation.
1 person likes this
@ptrikha_2 (49485)
• India
10 Dec
@JudyEv
Often a few things become visible when everything is official and up and running!
1 person likes this
@rsa101 (40615)
• Philippines
3 Dec
It’s amazing to see how technology is rapidly transforming the automotive world. Just a few years ago, electric vehicles were the big innovation, and now smart cars are beginning to flourish. These vehicles are becoming more like our smartphones, offering connectivity and advanced features that make them feel like mobile devices on wheels. I remember having a Smart TV connected to the internet, opening up a world of entertainment and information, and now that same smart technology is being integrated into cars. While the possibilities are exciting, the technology is still in its early stages, and vulnerabilities remain, making them potential targets for hackers and cybercriminals.
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (84524)
• United States
7 Dec
That’s one of the reasons why I’d never have a Tesla. Those cars are controlled by the company. Always.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (95912)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
3 Dec
As always with something new and technological unforseen and dangerous problems, I don't have or want anything with smart techonology,
1 person likes this
@MarshaMusselman (38865)
• Midland, Michigan
3 Dec
I didn't keep up with the news on a regular basis but my husband does share what he reads or hears. I haven't heard about this. It doesn't sound like a very good idea.
1 person likes this
@MarshaMusselman (38865)
• Midland, Michigan
4 Dec
@JudyEv yes especially for those trying to get away from any type of abusive relationships.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (205434)
• United States
3 Dec
Criminals will always find a way it seems. Sounds horrible really.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (376169)
• Rockingham, Australia
4 Dec
It does. People come up with ideas that seem switched on and clever but the baddies are very quick to use the technology to their own advantage.
@Marilynda1225 (89639)
• United States
3 Dec
I can't even imagine having a smart car but egads imagine driving and someone takes over control of your car. All of this smart stuff doesn't seem so smart to me.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (376169)
• Rockingham, Australia
4 Dec
It's not smart at all and very frightening if you're in a dangerous situation.
@thedevilinme (5043)
• Northampton, England
3 Dec
Interesting. If the ex can do that anyone can
1 person likes this
@Dreamerby (10067)
• Calcutta, India
3 Dec
Oh no that's again a pitfall for the advanced technology.
1 person likes this
