In a world where technology is evolving at an unprecedented rate, the dangers faced by journalists, particularly women, have taken on a new and menacing form. The first encounter of Gharidah Farooqi, a senior anchor at GTV, with tech-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) occurred in 2014 while reporting on an anti-government protest in Pakistan. Photos of her, manipulated and accompanied by sexist and vulgar comments, were circulated on social media.
Over the years, these attacks have only intensified, using generative artificial intelligence (AI) to create even more sophisticated and deceptive content. Nighat Dad, a lawyer and internet activist from the Digital Rights Foundation (DRF), labels this technology as “photoshopping in a more sophisticated manner.” Generative AI allows creators to swiftly alter images, text, audio, or video, making it challenging to discern between the original and a deepfake.
The ramifications for journalists like Farooqi have been devastating. Alongside organized campaigns by political supporters, she faces a never-ending barrage of abuse on her social media platforms. The attacks she endures go far beyond trolling; they are relentless and deeply harmful. This form of violence predominantly targets women journalists, although some men have also fallen victim to it.
Recognizing the need for support, the DRF established a helpline and resource kit to aid those experiencing TFGBV. Between January and November 2023, 22 female and 14 male journalists sought assistance from DRF for offenses such as abusive messages, sexual harassment, defamation, and threats of physical violence.
While Farooqi has learned how to navigate legal mechanisms and file complaints, not everyone possesses the same level of expertise in combating cyber harassment. The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 in Pakistan addresses certain offenses, including the use of tech tools to manipulate pictures or videos. However, the handling of online harassment cases remains problematic, with little progress or communication from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) regarding lodged complaints.
Farooqi’s experience exemplifies this issue. After filing eight complaints, it was only with her most recent complaint that the FIA took action in response to personal details being leaked online. Anonymous calls and messages, threatening her with rape and death, prompted the FIA to swiftly delete the offensive posts.
Efforts are being made to support journalists facing TFGBV. The Centre of Excellence in Journalism has developed a safety kit and offers counseling for women journalists in Karachi. Additionally, the Network of Journalists for Digital Rights in Pakistan has condemned the use of TFGBV and generative AI as tools to silence and harass female journalists.
As the threat of generative AI looms, Farooqi, known for her resilience, encourages individuals to refrain from engaging with attackers to maintain their sanity. These attacks on journalists must be addressed urgently, emphasizing the importance of legal action, support systems, and changes in societal behavior to ensure the safety and integrity of journalists, particularly women, in the digital age.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is tech-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV)?
A: TFGBV refers to acts of violence or harassment that primarily target individuals based on their gender using technology as a means of perpetration. It encompasses various forms of online abuse, such as cyberstalking, revenge porn, doxxing, and the spreading of explicit or manipulated content.
Q: What is generative artificial intelligence (AI)?
A: Generative AI is a technology that uses models to produce new content, including images, text, audio, or video. It enables creators to swiftly manipulate and alter content, making it difficult to distinguish between genuine and fabricated materials.
Q: How can journalists protect themselves from tech-facilitated gender-based violence?
A: Journalists can take several measures to protect themselves, including using secure and private communication channels, regularly updating passwords, being cautious about sharing personal information online, and reporting instances of harassment to the appropriate authorities.
Q: How can society address the issue of tech-facilitated gender-based violence?
A: Addressing tech-facilitated gender-based violence requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves implementing stronger legal frameworks to prosecute offenders, providing support systems for victims, promoting digital literacy and awareness, and fostering a culture that condemns online abuse and respects gender equality.
Q: Are men also targeted by tech-facilitated gender-based violence?
A: While tech-facilitated gender-based violence predominantly targets women, men can also be victims of such harassment. It is essential to recognize and address all forms of online abuse and harassment, regardless of the gender of the victims.
The industry surrounding tech-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) is largely driven by advancements in technology, particularly in the field of generative artificial intelligence (AI). As AI becomes more sophisticated, it enables the creation of deceptive content, such as deepfakes, which pose a significant threat to journalists, especially women. These attacks often take the form of manipulated images, videos, or text, which can be difficult to distinguish from the original content.
Market forecasts indicate that the prevalence of TFGBV is likely to increase as technology continues to evolve. The use of generative AI and other tools to facilitate online harassment and abuse is expected to become more widespread. This poses a significant challenge for journalists, as they must navigate the complexities of combating cyber harassment and protecting their safety online.
Issues related to the industry include the lack of effective legal mechanisms to address TFGBV. While some countries, like Pakistan, have laws in place to address certain offenses, the handling of online harassment cases remains problematic. Instances of TFGBV often go unpunished, and victims face hurdles in filing complaints and obtaining justice.
Furthermore, the societal behavior and attitudes towards online harassment need to change in order to effectively address the issue. The culture of victim-blaming and the normalization of online abuse contribute to the continuation of TFGBV. Efforts must be made to educate and raise awareness about the impact of online harassment and to foster a culture that condemns such behavior.
To learn more about the issue of TFGBV and the efforts being made to combat it, visit the Digital Rights Foundation (DRF) website: link. The DRF offers a helpline and resource kit for those experiencing TFGBV and actively works towards advocating for the rights and safety of journalists.
For additional resources and support for women journalists in Pakistan, you can visit the Centre of Excellence in Journalism website: link. They provide safety kits, counseling services, and professional development programs to support women journalists in the country.
As the threat of TFGBV continues to grow, it is crucial for journalists, especially women, to take steps to protect themselves. This includes using secure communication channels, regularly updating passwords, being cautious about sharing personal information online, and promptly reporting instances of harassment to the appropriate authorities.
It is important for society as a whole to prioritize the safety and integrity of journalists and to work towards creating a digital environment that is free from TFGBV. This requires a collective effort to strengthen legal frameworks, provide support systems for victims, promote digital literacy and awareness, and foster a culture that respects gender equality. By addressing these issues, we can create a safer and more inclusive digital space for journalists to work in.
The source of the article is from the blog elperiodicodearanjuez.es