Location Tracking Apps: A Hidden Danger for Young Australians

Location-Sharing Apps and the Rise of Technology-Facilitated Abuse in Young Adults Australia is grappling with a concerning trend: the misuse of location-sharing apps to facilitate coercive control among young adults. New research from the eSafety Commission and Griffith University reveals that almost 20% of young adults believe location tracking is a reasonable expectation in relationships. This normalization of invasive behavior raises serious concerns about the potential for abuse. The study highlights the link between location-sharing apps like Life360 and Find My iPhone and increased risks of coercive control. One young woman interviewed for the ABC News report shared her experience: "I have Snapchat and Find My iPhone. At a young age, you're very impressionable, so you think everybody is your friend. I ran into a situation where someone I wasn't very close to found out where I lived." Her story underscores the vulnerability of young people to technology-facilitated stalking and harassment. Julie Inman Grant, eSafety Commissioner, emphasizes the urgent need to address this issue. "I think we need to break this cycle and learn to help young people draw those correct digital boundaries," she stated. This highlights the need for education and awareness campaigns to empower young people to protect their privacy and safety in the digital age. The report serves as a critical wake-up call, urging parents, educators, and policymakers to proactively address the dangers of location-sharing and promote healthy digital relationships.