The top three digital threats to modern relationships

The digital age has made it easier to meet new people, but with it comes new risks. Online dating, social networking and messaging apps can open the door to both exploitation and abuse in relationships. Kaspersky highlights the growing risks that technology presents for interpersonal relationships. Based on its own independent research, it has identified three key threats that have been exacerbated by developments in technology.

1. Misuse of personal images. A survey of 9,033 people worldwide in May 2024 found that one in four (25%) of respondents have shared photos with people they met online, with the figure rising to 39% among people aged 25-34.

Nearly one in four participants (23.90%) have sensitive photos of themselves stored on their devices, with the highest rates found among the 25-34 (30.09%) and 16-24 (28.17%) age groups.

Over one in four (28.49%) have shared personal photos of themselves with people they are dating or chatting to, with the highest percentages again being found among the 25-34 (42.84%) and 16-24 (30.99%) age groups.

Of those who admitted to sharing personal photos of another person they have taken, a significant proportion said they did so for intimidation (7.79%) or revenge (6.49%).

The findings highlight the extent of Intimate Image Abuse, often called Revenge Porn, with almost one in two (49%) reporting that they have either suffered (2.99%) or know someone who has suffered this form of online abuse. Photo abuse is most commonly seen in younger generations, with 63.38% of 16-24 year olds and 68.14% of 25-34 year olds having experienced or knowing someone who has been a victim.

2. Stalkerware - apps disguised as legitimate tools - is a growing concern, with Kaspersky figures showing a 5.8% increase in incidents from 2022 to 2023, affecting over 31,000 people worldwide. In Europe, Germany, France and the UK were among the most affected countries in 2023. However, stalkerware is often just one aspect of a wider pattern of abuse. In today's world of constant connectivity, perpetrators can take advantage of social media, smart home devices and GPS to track their victims without having to install stalkerware.

3. Deepfakes: when fakes are indistinguishable from reality. Deepfake technology, which uses AI to produce realistic images, videos or recordings, is becoming a dangerous tool for personal relationships. Over the past five years the technology has been developing rapidly, with various open source tools now available to everyone, allowing anyone with basic programming skills to create deepfakes. As a result, deepfakes are set to become one of the most dangerous tools of the future, with an increasing possibility of creating fake content that could be used for blackmail and coercion in personal relationships.
As a cybersecurity company, Kaspersky provides protection against a wide range of digital threats. However, some risks - such as grooming and doxing, surveillance, intimidation or the misuse of personal images - extend beyond the capabilities of technology alone. This is why public education is vital and Kaspersky, as a goal-driven organisation, is committed to raising awareness of these threats and empowering people to be able to protect themselves.

These issues highlight the growing need for digital literacy and online security in today's technology-driven world, as David Emm, Principal Security Researcher, Global Research and Analysis Team at Kaspersky advises, "Addressing these modern forms of relationship abuse requires a multi-faceted approach. First, education about the concept of ongoing consent is necessary. Secondly, targeted education of society as a whole is proving to be increasingly necessary, as blaming those affected continues to be a major issue in our society, which only exacerbates their trauma and distracts from holding perpetrators accountable. Finally, enhancing digital literacy is vital to empower individuals to protect their privacy and manage risks effectively. By adopting these strategies, we can build a culture of respect, accountability and informed protection from abuse."

As a cybersecurity company, Kaspersky provides protection against a wide range of digital threats. However, some risks - such as grooming and doxing, surveillance, intimidation or the misuse of personal images - extend beyond the capabilities of technology alone. This is why public education is vital and Kaspersky, as a goal-driven organisation, is committed to raising awareness of these threats and empowering people to be able to protect themselves.