Tech-driven abuse forcing women out of public life, global study warns

A new international study has raised serious concerns about how evolving digital threats—especially deepfakes and AI-enabled sexual abuse—are pushing women away from public roles and online spaces.

The report, released by UN Women in collaboration with City St George’s University of London and data forensics firm TheNerve, highlights how online violence against women is becoming more advanced and harder to combat.

According to the researchers, tools that enable the creation of deepfakes and other forms of AI-generated abuse have made it easier for perpetrators to target women. Julie Posetti, who led the study, noted that such technologies are intensifying harm and contributing to a broader rollback of women’s rights, especially in an increasingly polarised and authoritarian global climate.

The study surveyed 641 women—including journalists, activists, and human rights defenders—from 119 countries. The findings paint a troubling picture: 27 per cent reported receiving unsolicited sexual messages or explicit content online, while 12 per cent said their personal or intimate images had been shared without consent. Additionally, 6 per cent had been targeted using deepfake or manipulated media.

Researchers found that these attacks are often coordinated and designed not just to harass but to damage reputations and silence voices in public discourse.

The psychological toll is significant. Around 24 per cent of respondents reported experiencing anxiety or depression linked to online abuse, while 13 per cent said they had been diagnosed with PTSD. Many also admitted to altering their behaviour—41 per cent said they self-censor on social media, and 19 per cent do so at work to avoid further harassment.

Despite some women reporting incidents to authorities or pursuing legal action, accountability remains limited. Co-author Lea Hellmueller pointed out that, in many cases, the burden of protection is unfairly placed on victims—who are often advised to withdraw from public platforms or reduce their visibility instead of perpetrators being held accountable.

The report ultimately warns of a growing “chilling effect,” where fear of digital abuse is driving women out of public life, undermining both gender equality and democratic participation.

With inputs from IANS