Rangita de Silva de Alwis,a renowned women’s human rights expert and faculty member at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School,is raising alarms about the escalating threat of online gender-based violence. In a recent discussion, de Silva de Alwis highlighted how technology, while fostering community and connection, also provides avenues for manipulation and abuse, especially impacting women and girls. She argues that this form of violence perpetuates existing power imbalances and requires urgent attention from international legal frameworks, notably concerning the weaponization of artificial intelligence (AI).

De Silva de Alwis brings a wealth of experience to the discussion. She is an expert member on the treaty body to the U.N. Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination and the Women, Peace and Security Focal Points Network, and the Hillary rodham Clinton Fellow on Global Gender equity at Georgetown University’s Institute for Women, peace and Security. Her previous roles include serving as the inaugural director of the Global Women’s Leadership initiative and the Women in public Service Project, launched by former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. She also serves on the U.N. Secretary General’s task force on Poverty Eradication and the Advisory Board on Gender equality to the President of the U.N. General Assembly and as Vice Chair of the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute.

According to de Silva de Alwis, the speed and anonymity afforded by technology present unique regulatory challenges, distinguishing online abuse from its offline counterparts. She specifically warns about the weaponization of new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) to create deepfakes and objectify women’s bodies. The societal impacts, she cautions, are far-reaching, perhaps discouraging women from participating in public life, including running for office.

De Silva de Alwis is actively involved in addressing thes issues on a global scale. She is currently engaged in drafting the first global treaty on cybercrime,the United Nations’s Complete International convention on Countering the Use of Information and Interaction technologies for Criminal Purposes,commonly known as the Cybercrime Convention.

Defining Online Gender-Based Violence

When asked to define online gender-based violence, de Silva de Alwis explained:

Online gender-based violence harnesses new and growing digital technology to instigate threats, intimidation, and harassment. Some examples include deepfakes, synthetic media, cyberstalking, online harassment, non-consensual dissemination of intimate images, doxing, slut-shaming, trolling, cyber-flashing, gendered hate speech, disinformation, misinformation, cyber smear campaigns, threats of sexual violence and murder, and morphing.

This broad range of abusive behaviors highlights the multifaceted nature of the problem and the challenges in combating it effectively.

The Role of AI in Amplifying Abuse

AI plays a importent role in exacerbating online gender-based violence.De Silva de Alwis notes:

There is a concerning trend of AI-powered chatbots and online forums providing spaces for abusers to share tactics and strategies for further harming virtual partners. The proliferation of AI-generated images, videos, and othre media content against women is another emerging category of violence that must be addressed. AI and facial mapping technology merge, combine, and superimpose images and videos to generate authentic-looking media called deepfakes. Pornographic deepfakes reinforce a culture that commodifies and objectifies women’s bodies.Pornographic deepfakes have become the new sites for gender-based violence against women and technology-facilitated abuse.

The creation and dissemination of deepfakes, in particular, pose a serious threat, contributing to the objectification and commodification of women’s bodies.

Online vs. Offline violence: Similarities and Differences

While online and offline gender-based violence share common roots, they also exhibit key differences.De Silva de Alwis explains:

Even though the direct physical act of sexual violence is different from online violence, there are also similarities. First, both acts
Headline:

“Expert Discusses the Alarming Trends in AI-Driven Online Gender-Based Violence: A Global Call to Action for Legal and Technological Reform”

Interview with Dr. Rangita de Silva de Alwis on AI’s Role in Online Gender-Based Violence

Senior Editor of World-Today-news: Welcome, dr. Rangita de Silva de Alwis. In light of your crucial work, can you help us understand why AI-driven online gender-based violence is becoming such a pressing issue on a global scale?

Dr. Rangita de Silva de Alwis:

the rise of AI-driven online gender-based violence is a critical issue that intersects technology, gender, and human rights. What makes this notably alarming is the ability of AI technologies,such as deepfakes,to be weaponized against women.These tools can create frighteningly realistic content that objectifies and commodifies women’s bodies, further entrenching power imbalances that already exist. This form of digital violence mirrors many aspects of offline sexism and violence, but with added layers of anonymity and speed that shield perpetrators from accountability and exacerbate the harm inflicted on victims.

Senior Editor: What specific vulnerabilities does AI technology exploit, making it so potent in perpetuating online gender-based violence?

Dr. De Silva de Alwis:

AI magnifies the threats of gender-based violence through the creation and dissemination of false, yet convincingly realistic, images and videos. Technologies like deepfakes can deceive viewers into believing these false depictions are real, thereby intensifying threats and harassment. This has serious ramifications, such as discouraging women from engaging in political or public life due to fear of sexualized attacks and defamation. Furthermore, AI can perpetuate existing stereotypes by manipulating portrayals of women in media, reinforcing negative biases and societal discrimination on an unprecedented scale.

Senior Editor: How does online gender-based violence differ from its offline counterpart, and what makes it so challenging to combat effectively?

Dr.De silva de Alwis:

While both online and offline gender-based violence stem from the same underlying hostility and discrimination, online abuse has unique features. the internet’s reach means that harmful content can become viral, causing widespread and persistent damage to victims’ reputations and mental health. Additionally, the anonymity and distance provided by the digital space frequently enough mean that perpetrators face fewer immediate consequences, creating a sense of impunity. Regulating and policing online content is particularly challenging due to jurisdictional complexities and the rapid pace at which new digital threats evolve.

Senior Editor: Considering the notable role of AI in escalating online gender-based violence, what global legal reforms do you advocate for addressing these challenges?

Dr. De Silva de Alwis:

Firstly,there’s a critical need for international cooperation to establish legal frameworks that specifically address AI-facilitated gender-based violence. This includes updating laws to encompass new forms of digital abuse and ensuring these laws are enforced across borders. Second, countries must work towards creating cohesive standards and best practices for technology companies to preemptively identify and mitigate AI misuse. Lastly,awareness campaigns and education are vital to inform society about these digital issues,encouraging both civic and corporate duty in combating gender-based digital violence.

Senior Editor: As a global leader in addressing these issues,what role can individuals and communities play in mitigating online gender-based violence?

Dr. De Silva de Alwis:

Individual and community action is essential. Awareness and education are the first steps—people should be informed about what constitutes online gender-based violence and the impact of AI misuse. Communities can foster safe spaces for dialog and support affected individuals. Moreover, supporting organizations that advocate for legal and policy changes can amplify efforts to combat digital violence. Lastly, practicing and promoting safe, responsible technology use can help shift the cultural acceptance of harmful online behaviors and contribute to a safer digital habitat for everyone.

Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. De Silva de Alwis, for shedding light on such a pivotal issue. Your insights underscore the urgency of a coordinated global response.

Key Takeaways:

  • AI-facilitated violence, including through deepfakes, poses a significant threat to women’s digital safety.
  • Legal and technological reforms on a global scale are critically needed.
  • Individual and community efforts can play a significant role in mitigating online gender-based violence.

Feel free to share your thoughts and engage in the conversation below.

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