UN Warns of Rising Online Abuse Targeting Women in Public Life

Women in public life face increasingly sophisticated forms of online violence, the United Nations has warned, citing the growing role of artificial intelligence, anonymity and weak regulation.

A UN Women report based on research among more than 1,500 women found that 6% had been targeted by deepfake content, nearly a third had received unsolicited sexual advances and about 12% had their images, including intimate material, shared without consent.

“Artificial intelligence is making abuse easier and more damaging”, said Kalliopi Mingeirou, who leads UN Women’s efforts to end violence against women, adding that anonymity and the rapid spread of content make such material more dangerous.

The report warns that the digital space is becoming a site of abuse for millions of women, forcing many to choose between remaining active online or limiting their participation.

Almost half of women journalists said they had restricted their expression on social media, with some doing so in their professional roles.

The UN is calling on technology companies and governments to introduce more effective measures to protect women and prevent further harm to their position in society.

(guardian, bak)