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The Technology Safety and Privacy Toolkit

The Technology Safety and Privacy Toolkit provides women, youth, and gender-diverse people experiencing technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) with safety tips, general information, and strategies to use technology safely and increase privacy. This toolkit also includes tips on securing specific devices and using specific platforms and technology.

TFGBV is when technology (such as a smartphone, computer, Smartwatch, or a Smart home device) is misused to commit violent abusive acts such as domestic violence, harassment, stalking, sexual assault, impersonation, extortion, and the non-consensual filming and sharing of intimate images.

This toolkit includes a series of specific tech safety documents designed to help survivors and anti-violence workers respond to and enhance strategies for safety. Though the content of this toolkit is up to date at the time of publishing, we know that technology is constantly emerging and changing. We encourage you to check our toolkit regularly for updated information and connect with your local shelter or transition house for additional support.

A Note on Language

In this toolkit, we will sometimes use the word woman/women and feminine pronouns for simplicity and to recognize the significant impact technology-facilitated violence has on women and girls. We recognize that TFGBV also impacts trans, non-binary, and Two-Spirit people. We hope that all people impacted by TFGBV will find these documents useful.

Word of Caution

This toolkit is available as read-only on this website with an option to download the PDF versions of each document. If you are reading this toolkit on a device that may be monitored by your abuser, do not download the PDF versions as they will automatically save in your downloads folder. If you think that someone is monitoring your phone, use a different device that the person cannot access (and that they have not had access to in the past), such as a computer at a library or a friend's phone. You can also use sheltersafe.ca to find a shelter/transition house near you to discuss options with an anti-violence worker.

Basic Tech Safety
What is Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence?
Is Tech Abuse Happening to You?
Technology Safety Plan Tip Sheet for Survivors
Assessing for Technology Abuse: Tips for Anti-Violence Workers
Documenting Tech Abuse
Stalking and Technology-Facilitated Abuse Log
Phones
Dealing with Harassing Calls, Texts, and Messages
Survivors’ Guide to Phones: Increasing Privacy and Responding to Abuse
Safely Setting Up and Activating a Phone or Other Devices
Apple Personal Safety Guide
iPhone Privacy and Security Guide
Android Privacy and Security Guide
Stalkerware and Location Tracking
What is Stalkerware?
Phone Stalkerware and Safety Guide
Spyware and Stalkerware: Computer Surveillance and Safety
A Survivor’s Guide to Location Tracking
Mobile Spyware: Identification, Removal and Prevention
What to do if You’re Being Tracked with an AirTag
VIDEO: Securing Your Location Settings
Online Privacy and Security
Online Misogyny and Abuse
Internet Browser Privacy Tips: In-Browser Settings
Online Privacy and Safety Tips
10 Easy Steps to Maximize Tech Use Privacy
Being Web Wise
Privacy Considerations When Posting Content Online
Tips for Using Video Sharing and Hosting Sites
Tips for a Secure Email Account
Passwords: Simple Ways to Increase Your Security
Image-Based Abuse and the Non-Consensual Distribution of Intimate Images
Resetting Your Wi-Fi Network
Security Tips for Computers and Laptops
VIDEO: Blocking an Account or User
VIDEO: Password Protection
VIDEO: How to Report Abusive Content
VIDEO: Securing Your Cloud
App Safety
Choosing and Using Safety Apps Designed for Women Experiencing Violence
Online Dating: Privacy Risks and Strategies
Online Gaming: Privacy Risks and Strategies
#WHATSMYNAME: Tips for Staying Safe While Using Rideshare Apps
Specific App Guides
Social Media Safety and Privacy Tips
Safety@Facebook
WhatsApp Safety Tips
Instagram Safety Centre
Safety & Privacy on Twitter
Google Safety Centre
TikTok Safety Centre
How to Stay Safe of Snapchat
Personal Safety User Guide for Apple Devices
Internet of Things and Connected Devices
Overview of the Internet of Things and Connected Devices
Home Automation: Privacy Risks and Strategies
Smart Toys and Location Tracking: Privacy and Safety Concerns with Children and Pets
Connected Cars and Driverless Vehicles: Safety and Privacy Concerns
Connected Health and Medical Devices: Survivor Privacy, Risks, and Strategies

This document is part of a series of resources provided through Women’s Shelters Canada’s Tech Safety Canada project. We encourage you to visit www.techsafety.ca to find additional information and resources about technology-facilitated violence, technology safety planning, and preserving digital evidence. This document, or any portion thereof, may be reproduced or used as long as acknowledgement is included. If you would like to adapt the content, please contact Women’s Shelters Canada at info@endvaw.ca.