AI Fuels Digital Violence Against Women
Fuelled by artificial intelligence, anonymity, and weak accountability, online abuse is rapidly escalating.
Despite the rise of digital platforms promoting empowerment, approximately 1.8 billion women and girls remain without legal protection from online harassment and technology-facilitated abuse. This urgent concern has been raised by the UN agency for women’s rights, gender equality, and women’s empowerment (UN Women) to coincide with the commencement of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, highlighting the need for immediate action against the increasing frequency of digital violence.
The Need for Legal Change
The internet presents both possibilities for empowerment and the dangers of abuse. Unfortunately, fewer than 40 percent of countries have laws that effectively address issues like cyber harassment or cyberstalking, resulting in perpetrators often evading accountability while victims are left without recourse. UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous underscores that “what begins online doesn’t stay online,” warning that digital abuse often spills into real life, creating a cycle of fear, silencing, and potentially leading to physical violence.
The Role of AI in Amplifying Abuse
The rise of artificial intelligence has significantly accelerated the pace and severity of online abuse, making it not only faster and more targeted but also harder to detect. A global survey indicates that 38 percent of women have experienced online violence, and 85 percent have witnessed it. The prevalence of AI-powered deepfake technology is alarming, with estimates suggesting that 95 percent of online deepfakes are unauthorized pornographic images, disproportionately affecting women.
This gendered misuse of technology places additional burdens on women public figures, activists, and journalists, who frequently face intense harassment, including death threats. Many deepfake tools were created by male teams who often design them with a focus that excludes male images, exacerbating the impact on women’s lives.
Calls for Action and Prevention
UN Women urges tech companies to take proactive measures by increasing employment of women in tech development, establishing safer online environments, promptly removing harmful content, and addressing abuse reports with seriousness. Activist Laura Bates warns against dismissing the intersection of online and offline abuses, as they often manifest in real-life violence and intimidation.
Legislation and Its Challenges
Legislative changes are underway, as seen in policies like the UK’s Online Safety Act and Mexico’s Ley Olimpia. As of 2025, 117 countries report efforts addressing digital violence; however, progress is uneven and often lags behind technological advances. Experts advocate for stronger global cooperation and tailored legislation that reflects unique national contexts rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Investing in Prevention
UN Women asserts that prevention strategies should extend beyond punitive measures. This includes promoting digital literacy among youth and crafting culture-change programs that mitigate toxic online behaviors and communities, such as the “manosphere.” Furthermore, feminist movements, which often serve as first responders in these crises, are facing diminishing civic space and funding, making support initiatives like the EU-funded ACT to End Violence against Women and Girls program essential for ongoing progress.
Through collaborative efforts, it is possible to transform technology into a force for equality rather than harm. From November 25 to December 10, the #NoExcuse campaign will encourage individuals to learn about and take action against digital abuse targeting women and girls.