AI and anonymity are driving the rise in online violence against women

This week, the UN agency for women’s rights, gender equality and the empowerment of women (UN Women) sounds the alarm as the “16 Days of Activism” campaign begins and calls for urgent action to address rising digital violence.

The space has become a frontline in the fight for gender equality Less than 40 percent of countries have laws in place to combat online harassment or cyberstalkingwhich leaves the perpetrators largely unchallenged and the victims without justice.

“What starts online doesn’t stay online”

For women, the internet offers both power and danger: a place of expression and opportunity, but also a growing weapon in the hands of abusers.

Female leaders, journalists, activists and public figures face this challenge relentless gender-based disinformation, deepfake attacks and coordinated harassment campaigns aimed at silencing, shaming and pushing them out of public life. One in four journalists say they have received death threats online.

“What starts online doesn’t stay online. Digital abuse…