Disrupt Harm: Accountability for a Safer Internet | IGF 2023 Open Forum #146

Knowledge Graph of Debate

Session report

Moderator – Alexandra Robinson

Women and girls are subjected to significant levels of online harassment and gender-based violence, as highlighted by the analysis. This underscores the urgent need to prioritize their safety in digital spaces. Alexandra Robinson emphasizes the importance of addressing this issue through a combination of law, policy, and civil society movements.

There is a growing awareness in the international community regarding the prevalence of technology-facilitated gender-based violence. The Commission on the Status of Women dedicated a session to the intersection of gender and technology, and global outcomes documents now incorporate language on gender-based violence. These developments indicate an increasing focus on addressing this issue at a global level.

Several countries are taking action by implementing laws and policies to combat technology-facilitated gender-based violence, demonstrating their commitment to protecting the rights of women and girls. This positive step toward achieving gender equality and ensuring the safety of women online.

In addition, there is support for the progression of policy and legal systems concerning gender-based violence, highlighting the need for robust frameworks to effectively address and prevent such violence. This recognition of the importance of institutions and mechanisms to disrupt online harm experienced by women is encouraging.

In conclusion, the analysis highlights the high rates of online harassment and gender-based violence faced by women and girls. It emphasizes the significance of prioritizing their safety in digital spaces and the role of law, policy, and civil society movements in addressing this issue. The international community’s increasing awareness of technology-facilitated gender-based violence and implementation of relevant laws and policies offer hope for meaningful change. Achieving gender equality and combating gender-based violence require continued efforts and support for the progression of policy and legal systems.

Karla Velasco

The Association for Progressive Communications (APC) and its member organisations are actively involved in addressing various aspects of women’s rights, sexual rights, and feminist movements. Their work spans approximately 40 countries, mainly in the global south. A significant achievement of APC and its members is the successful recognition of online gender-based violence as a violation of human rights in 2022. This recognition is a result of their continuous efforts and advocacy.

APC aims to create a gender-inclusive internet that goes beyond providing access to the online world. They highlight the importance of understanding the challenges faced by women, as well as individuals from diverse genders and sexualities, online. Critical issues that APC addresses include online gender-based violence and technology-facilitated gender-based violence. They believe that discussions on these topics should not only raise awareness but also focus on the response and remedy for victims and survivors.

Intersectionality is another key focus for APC. They assert that a gender-inclusive internet should consider factors such as race, gender, identity, sexuality, class, and ethnicity. By highlighting these aspects, APC aims to create a comprehensive and inclusive digital space that addresses the needs and concerns of all individuals, regardless of their social backgrounds.

APC promotes a vision of transformative justice, emphasising values such as pleasure, sexuality, joy, and freedom of expression. They believe that promoting a more positive and empowering narrative around gender issues online can lead to societal transformation that respects and upholds the rights and dignity of all individuals.

One important observation is that APC urges the discussion to move beyond acknowledging and condemning online gender-based violence towards implementing measures that provide support and remedies for victims and survivors. They call for comprehensive discussions and actions on victim support and advocacy to ensure that those affected receive the necessary assistance and justice they deserve.

In conclusion, APC and its member organisations play a crucial role in advancing women’s rights, sexual rights, and feminist movements. Through their advocacy and initiatives, they have been instrumental in recognising online gender-based violence as a human rights violation. APC’s emphasis on a gender-inclusive internet, intersectionality, and transformative justice demonstrates their commitment to creating a more equitable and empowering digital world. Their call to prioritise victim support and remedies further reinforces their dedication to addressing the needs and challenges faced by individuals affected by online gender-based violence.

MARTHA LUCIA MICHER CAMARENA

The analysis highlights a concerning issue in Mexico, where digital violence is affecting women, adolescents, and girls. Startling statistics reveal that three out of ten women internet users in Mexico have become victims of cyberbullying. Furthermore, a staggering 74.1% of women victims of digital violence are between the ages of 18 and 30.

What’s more alarming is that the majority of the aggressors responsible for these acts of digital violence are known individuals, with former partners being the main culprits, accounting for 81.6% of the cases. This indicates that digital violence is not a random occurrence but often involves individuals with intimate or prior relationships with the victims.

Recognising the seriousness of this issue, the call for legislation to provide safety for women in digital spaces has been raised. One positive aspect is the existence of the Gender Equality Committee in the Mexican Senate, chaired by a prominent figure who is actively working towards this cause. The committee has successfully enacted important reforms that define digital violence and establish regulations for protection orders in cases of digital violence.

However, despite these positive steps, challenges remain in the judicial system, public ministries, and amongst judges. These institutions and individuals pose significant obstacles to achieving gender equality. Lack of adequate understanding, biases, and systemic issues still prevalent in the judicial system hinder progress in addressing gender-related issues effectively.

On a more positive note, the analysis also highlights significant progress made in the realms of gender equality and women’s rights over the past three decades. This progress is evident considering the participation in the Beijing 1995 Conference, which focused on gender inequality and highlighted various gender-related topics. Notably, these topics were once considered ‘crazy’ but are now internationally recognised areas of concern and focus.

In conclusion, the analysis sheds light on the issue of digital violence affecting women, adolescents, and girls in Mexico. Legislation is urgently needed to ensure their safety in digital spaces. Although advancements have been made in this regard, challenges in the judicial system and among public ministries persist, hindering progress towards gender equality. Despite these challenges, notable progress has been achieved in gender equality and women’s rights, with gender-related issues now receiving international attention and recognition.

Audience

This analysis explores several crucial topics related to gender-based violence, social justice, and the intersection of digital technologies. The speakers discussed the various risks and opportunities presented by the internet in combating gender-based violence and promoting social justice.

One speaker highlighted the work of NGO Diretos Digitales, which operates at the intersection of human rights and digital technologies. They argued that the internet is a place of both risk and opportunity. On one hand, it allows for greater visibility and the potential for addressing social justice issues. On the other hand, it also exposes individuals to risks and potential harm, particularly in relation to gender-based violence.

Another speaker focused on the need for sensible legislation, enforcement, and understanding to address technology-facilitated gender-based violence. They emphasized that standardizing such legislation is currently under discussion. However, they also noted that the legislative aspect alone is not enough to combat this issue effectively.

In connection with this, the importance of legal frameworks that consider the privacy, freedom of expression, and access to information of survivors was raised. The speakers argued that it is not just the rights of offenders that should be considered, but also the rights and protection of those who have experienced gender-based violence.

Furthermore, an intersectional approach, which takes into account contextual and social differences, was advocated. The speakers acknowledged that social problems disproportionately affect individuals in vulnerable situations. Therefore, any efforts to address gender-based violence and promote social justice must consider these differences and work towards a more inclusive and equitable solution.

Lastly, the analysis included a notable call for age-based protections, particularly for adult women, within the legal system. It was highlighted that while there are existing protections for children up to the age of 18 in the speaker’s country, violence against adult women is often normalized and they are not always recognized as victims. This observation emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to tackling gender-based violence and ensuring justice for all individuals affected by it.

In conclusion, this analysis highlights the multifaceted nature of gender-based violence and the need for comprehensive strategies to combat it. It underscores the importance of legislation, legal frameworks, and an intersectional approach in promoting social justice and addressing the risks and opportunities presented by digital technologies. Additionally, it raises awareness about the need for age-based protections, especially for adult women. By considering these factors, society can take meaningful steps towards creating a safer and more equitable environment.

Julie Inman Grant

The analysis explores several crucial aspects of online harassment and the urgent need for effective measures to combat it. One notable observation is the disapproval of the term ‘revenge porn’, which is deemed to trivialize and victim-blame. Instead, there is an argument to adopt the term ‘image-based abuse’ to better convey the seriousness and harm caused by such actions. This emphasises the importance of using language that accurately depicts the nature and impact of online harassment.

Another significant finding is the intersectional nature of online harassment. The analysis highlights that indigenous Australians experience twice the amount of online hate compared to other groups. It also reveals the different challenges faced by urban and rural indigenous populations, as well as culturally and linguistically diverse communities. This underscores the necessity of understanding and addressing the unique vulnerabilities and perspectives of these groups to effectively tackle online harassment.

The analysis further emphasises the importance of co-designing preventive solutions with vulnerable communities. It stresses the need to consider diverse experiences and vulnerabilities when designing mechanisms to prevent online harassment. This promotes a more inclusive approach that is better equipped to address the specific challenges faced by different groups, thereby increasing the effectiveness of preventive measures.

Furthermore, the analysis highlights the successful implementation of deterrent powers in curbing online abuses. It indicates a 90% success rate in removing abusive content, which is a positive outcome. Moreover, it suggests that women who sought help had positive responses, affirming the effectiveness of these measures in providing relief and protection to victims.

Finally, an important observation from the analysis is the willingness of the eSafety Commissioner to collaborate internationally. Recognising that online harassment is a global issue, the Commissioner acknowledges the importance of a global approach to addressing it and ensuring a safer online environment for all. This demonstrates the recognition of the need for partnerships and information sharing to effectively tackle online harassment.

In conclusion, the analysis underscores the need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to combat online harassment. It highlights the importance of using appropriate language, understanding the intersectional nature of online harassment, co-designing preventive measures with vulnerable communities, implementing effective deterrent powers, and collaborating internationally. These insights provide valuable guidance in tackling the complex issue of online harassment and ensuring a safer online environment for everyone.

Juan Carlos Lara Galvez

The internet is a space that presents both risks and opportunities. In the context of social justice and combating gender-based violence, the internet has provided a platform for giving visibility to social demands. It has allowed for the amplification of voices and the dissemination of information related to these issues. This is a positive sentiment as it signifies the potential for social change and progress.

To effectively address technology-facilitated gender-based violence, legal frameworks should take a balanced perspective. This means considering the rights of individuals, including privacy, freedom of expression, and access to information of survivors. This approach recognizes the need for sensible legislative efforts and standards that uphold these rights while addressing the issue of gender-based violence. It is a positive stance that acknowledges the importance of striking a balance between protecting survivors and ensuring their rights are respected.

In addition, an intersectional approach is necessary to address the contextual and social differences that exist within gender-based violence. This understanding recognizes that certain issues disproportionately affect people in situations of vulnerability. It highlights the need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach that takes into account factors such as race, class, and sexuality. In particular, it acknowledges that women also face such issues in the public sphere, further emphasizing the importance of an intersectional perspective. This stance is positive and highlights the significance of considering various dimensions of identity and vulnerability in addressing gender-based violence.

However, it is important to note that legislation alone cannot fully resolve complex social issues. While legal frameworks are a crucial component, enforcement and understanding throughout the system are equally important. This neutral sentiment indicates that a comprehensive solution entails not only enacting laws but also ensuring their effective implementation and creating a deeper understanding of the underlying causes and dynamics of gender-based violence. It is a reminder that a multifaceted approach is needed to address the complexity of these social issues effectively.

In conclusion, the internet has the potential to serve as a platform for social change and combating gender-based violence. Legal frameworks should take a balanced perspective, considering the rights of individuals, while addressing technology-facilitated gender-based violence. An intersectional approach is necessary to address the contextual and social differences that exist within gender-based violence and other social issues. However, it is essential to recognize that legislation alone is insufficient in resolving complex social issues and that enforcement and understanding are crucial factors in achieving meaningful change.

Eiko Narita

The analysis highlights several important points related to internet governance and the fight against harm online. One of the main arguments is the significance of multi-stakeholder conversations in this endeavor. These conversations involve various stakeholders such as governments, regulatory bodies, civil society organizations (CSOs), businesses, and rights-based organizations. By including diverse perspectives and expertise, multi-stakeholder conversations can lead to more effective strategies and solutions for combating harm on the internet.

Civil society organizations (CSOs) are specifically emphasized as crucial entities in internet governance. Their role in giving voice to ground realities is recognized, and organizations like PC and Audrey are mentioned as examples. These CSOs play a vital part in ensuring that the internet remains a safe and inclusive space for all users.

Accountability in online digital technology crimes is identified as a significant challenge. The analysis highlights that holding individuals accountable for online crimes is much more difficult than accountability for crimes against humanity such as genocide. This observation sheds light on the complexities associated with addressing online crimes and the need for robust systems and mechanisms to ensure accountability.

The importance of continuing to use platforms like the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is emphasized. These platforms provide spaces for interaction and the amplification of important voices. By engaging in ongoing discussions and collaborations through platforms like IGF, the momentum in addressing issues related to internet governance can be sustained.

Additionally, the analysis includes the UNFPA’s efforts to end gender-based violence. It is stated that the UNFPA is actively working with governments and policymakers in this regard. Their commitment to tackling this issue aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal 5 on Gender Equality.

Another noteworthy observation is Eiko Narita’s stance on cybercrime and online harassment. Narita emphasizes that if something is not acceptable to do in person, it should not be tolerated online either. This highlights the importance of creating a safe and respectful online environment and holding individuals accountable for their actions.

Overall, the analysis underscores the importance of multi-stakeholder conversations, the crucial role of civil society organizations, the challenges in accountability for online crimes, the significance of continuing to use platforms for interaction, the efforts of the UNFPA in combating gender-based violence, and the need to address cybercrime and online harassment. These insights shed light on the complexity of internet governance and the ongoing efforts to create a safer and more inclusive internet for all.

Sherri Kraham Talabany

Women and girls in Iraq and across the Middle East face significant risks of online violence, which are exacerbated by the high internet penetration in the region and social conservatism. This online violence poses serious threats to their safety and well-being. Approximately 50% of women and girls in Iraq have either experienced or know someone who has experienced online violence, highlighting the prevalence of this issue.

The consequences of online violence in Iraq are not limited to the digital sphere but often result in real-life tragedies, such as honor killings and increased rates of suicide. This demonstrates that the impact of online violence extends beyond virtual interactions, causing physical harm and loss of lives. Urgent interventions are necessary to address this issue effectively.

To tackle this pressing concern, a nationwide task force has been established in Iraq. This task force focuses on human rights-based legislation and policy to combat Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV). Its objectives include enhancing access to safe and confidential reporting facilities for victims and survivors, as well as promoting skilled investigations into cases of online violence. The task force also aims to train local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to better understand and respond to these unique crimes. These efforts represent positive steps towards providing support and justice to victims of online violence.

Tech companies play a crucial role in addressing and combating online violence. They are urged to establish survivor-centered, rights-focused redress systems that take into account how online violence in the Middle East can lead to real-world harm. Understanding the manifestations of online violence across the region is essential for developing appropriate responses suitable for the unique environment. Tech companies should proactively contribute to creating a safer online space for women and girls in the Middle East.

When formulating internet governance frameworks, it is vital to consider the unique challenges faced by women in the Middle East due to online violence. These challenges should be integrated into emerging policies or regulations concerning internet governance. Broad governance mechanisms must be incorporated to address the specific considerations and situations encountered by women in the Middle East. By doing so, a more inclusive and supportive online environment can be created, prioritizing the rights and safety of women.

In conclusion, women and girls in Iraq and across the Middle East face significant risks of online violence, with high internet penetration and social conservatism exacerbating the issue. The establishment of a nationwide task force in Iraq dedicated to addressing TFGBV represents a positive step towards combatting online violence. The involvement and commitment of tech companies are crucial for establishing survivor-centered redress systems and developing appropriate responses to effectively tackle this issue. Furthermore, integrating the unique challenges faced by women in the Middle East into internet governance frameworks is essential to create a safer and more equitable online space.

Speakers