Narcissism Glossary

controlling your phone and online life

📱 Digital control is surveilling and restricting someone's online and digital life — demanding device passwords, inspecting messages without consent, installing tracking apps.

How the law treats unconsented access and surveillance depends on the methods used and the circumstances.

Often seen in situations like these

Passwords get extracted; texts and search history get inspected. Cut contact, and the messages keep arriving from new accounts.

When this happens, try this

💡 If device surveillance is suspected, a sudden password or settings change can tip them off and raise the danger. From a device they can't access, plan the sequence with a trusted person or support organization — and, from safety, preserve the login alerts and controlling messages.

Type law & safety · Topic Control & threats · Term Digital Control · Also known as Digital Control

Official sources & review information

Standard/jurisdiction United States · Last reviewed 2026.08.14

View all terms