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What is GPS?
A global positioning system (GPS) is a network of satellites that provides location information to many common devices, such as smartphones, car navigation systems, and laptop computers. The satellite information allows these devices to be located on a map. There are many different types of devices that use GPS.
GPS has many positive uses, such as monitoring an abuser’s whereabouts while on probation or keeping track of a child’s location. However, the expanded use of GPS-enabled devices has also increased the opportunities for an abuser to misuse GPS technology. See How can an abuser misuse GPS technology? for more information.
How can an abuser misuse GPS technology?
Abuse is about someone seeking power and control over someone else. So, an abuser may misuse GPS to try to gain or keep control over you. For example, an abuser could use GPS to track your location as part of a pattern of stalking. Or perhaps an abuser wants to see where you have been to then misuse this information against you in a custody or divorce case, for example.
Because GPS-enabled devices can be so small and easily hidden, an abuser could hide a device in your belongings or car without you knowing. The GPS in your phone could also be used to track you. An abuser could get that information if s/he:
- shares a cell phone plan with you;
- can access your cell phone account; or
- has another way of accessing your information, such as:
- through stalkerware;
- through downloaded apps; or
- when your devices are synced to the “cloud” or your computer.
What laws address GPS monitoring?
Some states’ stalking laws specifically prohibit putting a tracking device on your property, such as in your car or purse, without your consent. You can read our Stalking/Cyberstalking page to learn more about stalking.
If the abuser tampered with your personal devices, such as your phone, tablet, etc., there may be state laws regarding interference or tampering with an electronic communications device that apply.
You can read more about electronic surveillance on our website. Electronic surveillance laws, such as computer crimes or privacy laws, are not specifically focused on domestic violence, so police or attorneys may not think of them right away.
You can find a selection of laws in your state on our Crimes page by selecting your state from the drop-down menu.
What are some signs that I'm possibly being monitored by GPS?
Let’s say an abuser seems to know too much information about where you have been. Or s/he shows up in random locations that you did not share that you would be at. You may consider checking your belongings or car for hidden GPS-enabled devices. A GPS device might be connected to your car battery or under your dashboard so you might need the help of a mechanic to check your car.
GPS can be included in many different types of devices, so you may need to look for something that you do not recognize or that is out of the ordinary. You may be able to get help from a professional to search your belongings, such as a law enforcement officer. If you find something, an attorney, advocate, or law enforcement might be able to help you figure out what it is and what to do with it. You may also find information about a device if you do an online search describing it.
In addition to looking for unknown devices, consider the GPS on your own devices. Devices to consider include your phone, computer, or “wearable” device like a smart watch. If you have children or live with other relatives, consider their devices too. If you have pets, their collars may have GPS-enabled tags to track them if they get lost.
What can I do to stay safe or prevent the misuse of a GPS-enabled device?
Many apps and programs on your devices use GPS. If you want to turn it off, you could try an online search with the words “how to turn off GPS on my [insert device name].” You can learn more about phone safety on Safety Net’s website.
If you believe that you are being tracked by GPS, it can be helpful to keep a log of incidents related to the tracking. This gives you evidence of a pattern or history to share with a lawyer or law enforcement.
GPS monitoring can be particularly dangerous if you are trying to leave an abusive relationship and don’t want the abuser to be able to locate you. However, if you find a GPS device in your property, pause and think before doing anything. It can be important to safety plan with an advocate before removing any type of tracking device. This is because removing the device may alert the abuser that you have found it. But if you think that the abuser is monitoring your phone, you may want to use a different phone to call a domestic violence program. This could be a friend’s or family member’s phone or a public phone. You can learn more about safer devices on Safety Net’s website in the page called Securing Devices & Accounts as well as their safety tips page if an abuser is using technology to monitor you.
