Cybersecurity Policy Report, Lawmakers Reintroduce Bill to Protect Against Tech-Enabled Stalking, (Jun 26, 2025)

By Jeff Williams

Sen. Ron Wyden (D., Ore.) and Reps. Debbie Dingell (D., Mich.) and Zach Nunn (R., Iowa) have reintroduced the Tech Safety for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Act, which would establish a five-year pilot program focused on preventing technology-enabled domestic violence and abuse.

The legislation Sen. Wyden introduced in the Senate (S 2159) and Reps. Dingell and Nunn introduced in the House (HR 4127) would provide up to 15 grants of $2 million to clinics and other partnerships that focus on tech-enabled abuse and support training that would “give organizations the specialized services necessary to help survivors with a range of experiences,” the lawmakers said in a news release.

According to the bill, the funds could be used to purchase new devices for victims and survivors of technological abuse or for other uses, including the provision of victim services, to help reduce tech-related abuse and violence.

The bill would also establish another program to award a total of up to $20 million in grants to “ensure nonprofit organizations and higher education institutions develop and implement training and technical assistance for groups working to prevent tech-enabled abuse,” the release said.

“As technology continues to evolve, so do the tactics of abusers who are grossly leveraging many different platforms to stalk, harass and control survivors of domestic violence—from tracking them on social media to hacking into their email,” Sen. Wyden said. “Survivors deserve support and the tools to protect against abuse in any shape or form. More education, training, and health care clinics are needed.”

Rep. Dingell said it was “critical that we recognize domestic abuse and sexual harassment often extend beyond physical violence,” adding: “To fully protect survivors, we must keep up with the many ways that abusers can use technology to stalk, harass, control, or otherwise endanger their victims.”

Rep. Nunn said the legislation would strengthen “community-based networks that are on the frontlines, giving them the tools to recognize and address tech-enabled abuse and help victims secure their devices.”

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