With threats ranging from deepfake exploitation to harassment on gaming platforms there is urgent need to safeguard women's rights online
Protecting Women's Rights in the Digital AgeBy – Dr Rennie Joyy, Founder of Aalekh Foundation In the digital age, the internet has become an indispensable tool for communication, education, and empowerment. However, for many women, it has also become a dangerous space with cyber harassment and online abuse rife. In India, the proliferation of digital platforms has led to a worrying increase in gender-based violence online, with recent trends revealing more insidious forms of harassment that demand urgent attention.India's legal system has made some progress in addressing cyber harassment, but there is still a long way to go.
The Information Technology Act, of 2000, alongside the Indian Penal Code (IPC), provides the legal foundation for prosecuting cybercrimes, including harassment. However, the enforcement of these laws is often inconsistent, and the existing provisions do not fully address the nuances of newer forms of cyber harassment, such as deepfakes and abuse on gaming platforms.Moreover, the process of reporting and prosecuting these crimes remains cumbersome.
Victims often face significant hurdles, including a lack of awareness about their rights, societal stigma, and unresponsive law enforcement agencies. The borderless nature of the internet further complicates matters, as perpetrators can easily evade legal consequences by operating from different jurisdictions.
The expanding tentacles of cyber harassment: Cyber harassment in India has taken on new dimensions, with perpetrators using increasingly sophisticated methods to target women. Traditional forms of online abuse—such as stalking, trolling, and doxxing—remain prevalent. However, the advent of new technologies has introduced more dangerous threats, including the use of deepfake technology.
Deepfakes are hyper-realistic, digitally manipulated videos or images that can make it appear as though a person is saying or doing something they never did. In recent times, this technology has been weaponised against women, with perpetrators creating and sharing deepfake pornography without the victims' consent. This form of cyber harassment is particularly devastating, as it not only violates the victim's privacy but also damages their reputation, leading to severe emotional and psychological trauma.In 2020, India saw a surge in deepfake-related crimes, with several women finding themselves targeted by fake explicit videos circulated on social media. The difficulty in proving the falsity of these videos adds another layer of complexity, leaving victims with limited avenues for legal recourse. Although Sections 66E and 67A of the Information Technology Act, of 2000 cover the transmission of obscene material and violations of privacy, the law is still catching up with the rapid advancements in deepfake technology, and enforcement remains a significant challenge.
Harassment on online gaming platforms:Another concerning trend is the rise of cyber harassment on online gaming platforms. These platforms, often perceived as spaces for entertainment and community, have increasingly become hotbeds for toxic behaviour and online abuse. In many instances, female gamers are subjected to sexual harassment, including rape threats and abusive language, often from anonymous players.In India, while the gaming community is growing rapidly, there is a lack of specific laws addressing online harassment within these platforms. This gap in regulation means that many women are left vulnerable to abuse, with little recourse for protection or justice.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has acknowledged the issue, but more comprehensive policies and industry standards are needed to tackle this emerging threat.Role of tech companies and gaming platformsTech companies, including social media platforms and gaming companies, bear a significant responsibility in protecting users from online abuse. While major social media platforms have implemented policies against harassment, their enforcement is often inconsistent, allowing harmful content to proliferate.The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, introduced by the Indian government, aims to hold these platforms more accountable by urging them to remove unlawful content and safeguard user privacy. However, the efficacy of these guidelines is still in question, as the sheer volume of content and the evolving nature of cyber threats present significant challenges. Online gaming platforms, in particular, need to adopt stricter community guidelines and reporting mechanisms to prevent harassment and abuse. Developers and platform operators must prioritise user safety, implementing robust systems to detect and respond to incidents of online harassment effectively.
Empowering women digitallyEmpowering women to protect themselves online is crucial in combating cyber harassment. Digital literacy programs that teach women how to safeguard their privacy, recognise and report abuse, and navigate online spaces safely are essential.
Initiatives like Cyber Saathi and She:ThePeople are making strides in this area, providing resources and education to women across India. Support networks and helplines also play a critical role. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has launched several initiatives, including a 24/7 helpline, to assist women facing online abuse. However, ensuring these resources are accessible to all women, including those in rural and remote areas, remains a challenge.
Global collaboration and community initiatives:Addressing cyber harassment requires international collaboration, as online abuse often transcends national borders. India’s participation in global dialogues on cybercrime is crucial, but more robust cooperation with other countries and international organisations is needed to effectively combat cross-border cyber harassment.
Community-based initiatives are also vital. Movements like #MeToo and #GirlsAtDhabas have demonstrated the power of collective action in raising awareness and advocating for change. Localised efforts, such as workshops, community discussions, and advocacy campaigns, can help create safer digital spaces for women.
Looking ahead: The digital age offers immense opportunities for women, but it also presents significant risks. Protecting women’s rights online requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders—governments, tech companies, civil society, and individuals.
By addressing the evolving threats of cyber harassment, including deepfakes and online abuse on gaming platforms, we can create a safer, more inclusive digital environment that empowers women to fully participate in all aspects of society.Balancing the protection of women’s rights with the preservation of free speech will be a key challenge in the years to come. However, by taking a comprehensive approach that includes legal reforms, tech accountability, education, and community support, we can make significant strides in protecting women’s rights in the digital age.
(The writer is Founder Aalekh Foundation; views expressed are personal)
