MPs on the Culture, Media and Sport Committee launched an inquiry last year to consider the potential harms of connected technology such as smart speakers, virtual assistants and wearable fitness trackers.

It is estimated that there are roughly nine connected devices in every household in the UK, while by 2050 there will be 24 billion interconnected devices worldwide.

Evidence to the Committee suggested that most domestic abuse cases now include the use of spyware, with perpetrators monitoring movements and collecting recordings and images of victims and survivors.

In a report, it called on the government to make efforts to improve the skills of law enforcement and the response of the criminal justice system, while boosting awareness of specialist services tackling violence against women and girls. It also said that manufacturers and distributors should be brought together to mitigate risks through product design.

The Committee wants users of tech – including...