The latest study “The State of Stalkerware in 2021” gives us some metrics on the digital behavior of the Portuguese. More specifically, in Portugal, 16% of those surveyed agree with the digital chase buddy. At the same time, around 15% of those surveyed believe that they have already been subjected to these abuses.
At stake is Stalkerware, software that allows you to spy on another person’s private life through a smart device. The phenomenon has already affected more than 32,000 people worldwide last year. In fact, along with other technologies, stalkerware is often used in abusive relationships.
Direct link between online and offline violence
At issue is the data cited in the Kaspersky report that identified a direct link between online and offline violence. Therefore, it is even more essential to address this issue comprehensively.
The report “The state of stalkerware in 2021” discusses the use of stalkerware around the world, with the goal of better understanding the threat it poses. It also provides a broader analysis of the stalkerware phenomenon and technology abuse, as well as advice for nonprofits and potential victims.
There has been a significant decrease in affected users worldwide.
Although they have witnessed a significant decrease in affected users worldwide. This, compared to data collected by Kaspersky since 2018, and a 39% reduction from 2020 figures, there is still work to be done. As the company itself states, it is “important to note that these statistics represent only the tip of the iceberg.”
In fact, according to a rough estimate by the Stalkerware Coalition, the use of this technology could approach one million cases per year worldwide.
Therefore, when comparing this data with the results of the digital bullying survey, it is easy to see a link between online and offline violence.
15% of those surveyed in Portugal believe that they have already been subject to these abuses
In Portugal, 16% of those surveyed agree with the digital harassment of their partner. Around 15% of those surveyed in Portugal believe that they have already been subject to these abuses. The same correlation was also found in most of the countries where the survey was conducted.
It is also important to note that two nonprofit organizations also participated in the report and shared their experience with victims. More specifically, the US-based NNEDV (National Network to End Domestic Violence) and the WWP EN (Working with Perpetrators of Domestic Violence in Europe). Both confirm that abuse through technology is a growing problem.
Bullies continue to affect many victims around the world. The report identified affected users in more than 185 countries and territories. Here, Russia, Brazil, the United States and India are again the four countries with the highest number of unique identified users.
Finally, this edition of the State of Stalkerware report also provides an overview of the most affected countries at a regional level. Integrates statistics for North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Eastern Europe. EU countries, Russia and Central Asia, and the Asia-Pacific region are excluded here.