Economist Intelligence Unit study reveals 38% of adult women have personally encountered technology-facilitated gender-based violence.
Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV)
- TFGBV is any action carried out using the internet and/or mobile technology that harms others based on their sexual or gender identity or by enforcing harmful gender norms.
- TFGBV takes many harmful forms. E.g., cyberstalking, online trolling, & non-consensual sharing of intimate images; also,impersonation and fraud through fake profiles, voyeurism, etc.
Characteristics of TFGBV
- Perpetrated anonymously, across geographical locations: Making it very difficult to identify and stop perpetrators or hold them accountable.
- Easily perpetrated using low-cost technology and with limited skill, time, and effort.
- Perpetrated with impunity: Abusers and perpetrators often escape any form of punishment or accountability.
- Persistence of abuse: Digital content's viral nature enables persistent abuse, causing repeated psychological trauma for victims.
Way Forward for Combating TFGBV
- Implement Global Digital Compact's (adopted by India, at the UN Summit of the Future) recommendations to counter technology-enabled sexual and gender-based violence.
- Expand digital literacy programs, particularly in rural areas.
- Collaborate with tech industry to enhance AI-driven content moderation & user-friendly reporting mechanisms.
- Develop robust survivor support systems like TechSakhi, offering counselling, legal aid, and rehabilitation.
