Norton, part of Gen, is making strides to support domestic violence survivors through its product donation program. This initiative involves providing 5,000 free licenses of Norton 360 Deluxe and Norton Secure VPN. The aim? To empower these individuals against not only physical abuse but also technological and financial exploitation which modern abusers often wield.
Technology abuse, which can take many forms, is becoming alarmingly common. Abusers frequently use tools like stalkerware to monitor their partner's online activities, including tracking their location via smartphones or accessing personal messages without consent. This type of intimate partner violence does not just manifest through physical actions; many victims also face financial abuse where their identity is stolen, online accounts are compromised, and credit scores are ruined as part of their exploitation.
Understanding the modern interplay between technology and domestic abuse involves acknowledging the increasing presence of tech-facilitated abuse strategies. Survivors deserve to have clear access to both information and tools to navigate these dangers confidently. Hence, this program seeks to bridge gaps for these individuals, providing the necessary resources to lead secure online lives.
The product donation initiative includes distributing licenses through the Safe Shelter Collaborative and TechSoup, aiming for organizations to reach out and apply for these products for survivors. Eligible organizations can request up to 100 licenses of Norton 360 Deluxe or Norton Secure VPN to be distributed among domestic abuse survivors directly.
Norton 360 Deluxe is particularly beneficial as it prevents unwanted activity tracking, theft of information, and the installation of harmful software, offering real protection against online dangers. Meanwhile, its Secure VPN technology hides users' IP addresses, providing anonymity and safeguarding privacy during internet browsing.
The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) stands as one of the pivotal partners for this program. This nonprofit embodies efforts to represent 56 state and territorial domestic violence coalitions across the U.S., reaching over 2,000 local programs and millions of survivors every year. Their collaboration brings necessary expertise and outreach to the forefront of this initiative.
On improving safety, Armin Waiscek, Senior Research Manager at Gen, emphasizes the importance of good cyber hygiene. This means being diligent about one's online activities and recognizing potential threats. Simple but effective actions can make sweeping differences for survivors of domestic abuse, especially as they work to regain control over their digital lives. Waiscek lays out strategies for enhancing cyber safety: creating a comprehensive inventory of online platforms and devices, changing passwords regularly, and using unique logins for various accounts. These steps, though easy to overlook, can represent significant barriers against unauthorized access.
Another important aspect of this initiative is the financial commitment Norton has made to end domestic violence. Besides the product licenses, Norton has pledged $100,000 annually from 2022 to 2024 to support NNEDV’s Safety Net technology abuse response initiative as well as its Economic Justice program. These contributions showcase Norton's dedication to creating long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes.
By being proactive, Norton aims to connect with survivors' needs for technology assistance and support. This move is not just about giving away software but fostering empowerment and validation for those affected. Domestic violence carries a stigma, but having protective tools provides survivors with resources they can trust, strengthening their path to recovery.
Through their larger community engagement efforts, Norton reflects how corporate social responsibility can tangibly impact real lives. Programs such as this make practical strides against domestic violence through partnerships, education, and resource allocation. By supporting organizations like NNEDV and addressing the technological aspects of abuse, Norton sets up survivors for greater success as they reclaim autonomy over their lives.
Finally, this initiative serves as urgent testimony of the latent dangers posed by modern technology, paired with the mechanisms of accountability and protection available. It emphasizes the responsibility of corporations to lend more than just their favored products but instead extend their influence to protect and empower some of the most vulnerable members of society. It's not only about technology; it's about restoring hope and safety for survivors of domestic violence.
