Location Sharing in Intimate Relationships: Navigating Trust and Control

Location sharing through smart devices and applications is a prevalent practice in intimate relationships, raising questions about trust, safety, and potential misuse. Experts indicate that couples may view location sharing as a sign of closeness or a tool to reduce anxiety by knowing a partner's whereabouts.

However, it is crucial that such arrangements are based on mutual agreement and enhance connection, rather than being the sole source of safety.

Prevalence and Perspectives

According to eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, over 10% of adults consider it reasonable to track a partner via location-sharing apps. While many engage in this consensually and with clear boundaries, concerns arise when the monitoring becomes an expectation rather than a choice.

Research by María Atiénzar Prieto shows that location sharing is widespread and normalized, used for both practical convenience and personal safety, with young women more frequently using it for safety reasons than young men.

Identifying Coercive Control

Location sharing crosses a line when it becomes forced or an expectation within the relationship. Clinical psychologist Dr. Clare Rosoman emphasizes that individuals should feel free to enable or disable sharing.

Red flags include negative reactions from a partner if sharing is stopped, or questioning about routes and destinations, suggesting a level of control that deviates from caring behavior.

Ms. Inman Grant notes that danger arises when location sharing is no longer voluntary and integrates into a broader pattern of pressure, manipulation, or control.

Safeguarding Against Misuse

Ms. Atiénzar Prieto highlights that location data provides extensive insights into daily routines, frequented places, and social circles. To protect privacy, she recommends regularly reviewing app privacy settings and access permissions.

Ms. Inman Grant advises setting clear boundaries early in relationships, discussing the 'why,' 'how,' and 'when' of location data sharing.

Trusting one's instincts is also vital; if a partner appears to know unshared details about movements or conversations, it warrants serious consideration.