The recent release of the Digital Rights Foundation’s annual Cyber Harassment Helpline Report 2023 has brought to light a concerning uptick in technology-facilitated gender-based violence across Pakistan. According to the report, there has been a notable increase in reported cases, totaling nearly 2,500 incidents over the course of the year. Of significant concern is the fact that a substantial portion of these complaints originate from women and marginalised groups.
This disturbing trend underscores the pervasive nature of gender-based violence in today’s digital landscape. Online platforms are increasingly being exploited as tools for harassment and intimidation, exacerbating the vulnerability of the already marginalised communities. Particularly alarming is the deployment of generative AI content to perpetrate violence against women, a tactic that was notably observed during the recent general elections. Such coercive methods call for the urgent need for regulatory measures and heightened vigilance to effectively counter these insidious practices. The repercussions of tech-facilitated gender-based violence extend beyond the digital realm, often spilling over into offline violence against affected groups. Female journalists have often been targeted with generative AI content. Not only does this compromise press freedom, but it also reinforces harmful stereotypes and further marginalises women in public discourse. These actions hinder progress toward gender equality and societal inclusion.
In response to these alarming trends, concerted action is imperative from both governmental bodies and civil society organisations. This entails the implementation of robust legal frameworks to combat cyber harassment as well as the provision of support services for victims and survivors. The government can enact and enforce robust regulations specifically targeting AI misuse. This may include laws that criminalise the creation, distribution or use of AI-generated content for violence against individuals or groups. Ethical guidelines and standards must be set in place as a benchmark for society and institutions.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 9th, 2024.
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