A recent survey conducted by Kaspersky sheds light on the prevalence of digital abuse among online daters in India. With 21,000 participants worldwide, including 1,000 respondents from India, the study reveals alarming insights into the extent of online stalking and privacy violations faced by individuals seeking romantic connections in the digital realm.
Key Findings
The survey found that nearly half (49%) of the respondents view Googling or checking social media accounts of someone they’re dating as acceptable due diligence, with 52% admitting to doing so themselves. Shockingly, 42% of Indian respondents reported experiencing some form of online stalking from a person they were newly dating. Moreover, 65% of Indian respondents expressed willingness to share passwords that could potentially compromise their privacy and safety.
Despite increased awareness of online risks, a significant number of respondents reported experiencing various forms of digital abuse.
The study revealed that 54% of Indian respondents have encountered violence or abuse from a current or previous partner.
Furthermore, 27% received unwanted emails or messages, while 23% were filmed or photographed without consent. Additionally, 24% had their location tracked, 18% experienced social media or email hacking, and 22% had stalkerware installed on their devices without consent.
According to Adrian Hia, Managing Director for Asia Pacific at Kaspersky, stalkerware’s chilling grip on thousands demands action. “This insidious tool fuels harmful behavior, and Kaspersky is tackling it head-on. We will continue to raise awareness, share expertise, and collaborate with partners from public and private sectors. It is our unwavering mission to equip victims with knowledge and guide them towards the safest path, ultimately reversing the tide against digital abuse.”
Global Trends in Online Stalking
Online stalking is a prevalent issue worldwide, with alarming rates observed in various regions. In South and Central America, for instance, 38% of individuals in Mexico and 36% in Argentina report experiencing some form of online stalking. Similarly, the Asia Pacific region is witnessing a surge in online stalking cases, with 28% of respondents reporting such incidents. Notably, India emerges as a hotspot for online stalking within the APAC region, with 42% of respondents facing the issue. Following closely are Malaysia with 30% and Singapore with 27% of respondents experiencing online stalking.
What experts have to say?
David Emm, Principal Security Researcher at Kaspersky said, “The Internet of things, or connected world is brilliant and offers a myriad of possibilities. But with opportunity comes threats and one of those threats of a connected world is the ease of access to traceable data which leaves us vulnerable to abuse. Whilst the blame for these horrific behaviors never lies with stalking victims, unfortunately, there is still a burden upon them to take steps to minimize risks. I think it’s great that people are taking steps to verify identities online, but would encourage people to just stop and do a quick sense check on any information, passwords or data they share, to just think through how that information could be used in nefarious hands.”
Emma Pickering, Head of Technology-Facilitated Abuse and Economic Empowerment, Refuge said, “Navigating online dating and virtual spaces can be challenging and it’s crucial for social media and dating apps to implement verification processes, which can help confirm that users’ profiles match their actual photos. To my knowledge, Bumble is the only dating app currently using this level of verification. I would love to see others adopting similar safety measures. Additionally, safety guides and resources should be readily accessible online in multiple languages, ensuring that vulnerable individuals have the necessary support without needing to register for an app. The UK’s Online Safety Act sets a precedent by regulating platforms to protect users. Given the pervasive nature of stalking and technology-facilitated abuse, we advise individuals to secure their online presence, including passwords and accounts. Those with concerns should contact local authorities or support services.”
How to stay safe while dating online? Key recommendations from Kaspersky
Here are some top tips from Kaspersky to stay safe while dating online. For more details, please refer to our safe dating guide or visit https://stopstalkerware.org/resources/ :
- Safeguard your passwords by keeping them private and ensuring they are complex and unique
- Exercise caution if something seems too good to be true – when in doubt, verify!
- Take a moment to review and enhance your digital privacy settings
- Be mindful of what you share online – oversharing can leave you vulnerable to exploitation
- Develop a ‘safe plan’ for transitioning from the digital to the real world when meeting someone new
- Consider utilizing a comprehensive cybersecurity solution or VPN to bolster your online protection.
Methodology
The survey, conducted by Arlington Research on behalf of Kaspersky, interviewed 21,000 participants across 21 countries, including India. Respondents were aged 16 and over and were either in a long-term relationship, dating someone, or had been in a relationship in the past. Fieldwork was conducted between January 3-17, 2024.
The survey’s findings underscore the urgent need for greater awareness and proactive measures to address digital abuse and protect online privacy, particularly in the context of online dating. As individuals navigate the digital landscape, prioritizing privacy and security is essential to safeguard against the risks posed by online stalking and digital intrusion.
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