The digital landscape, once a haven for marginalized voices and activism, has increasingly become unsafe, especially for women and LGBTQI+ individuals. The proliferation of deepfake pornography, harassment, and misinformation undermines digital safety. Major platforms like LinkedIn and Meta have been criticized for shadow-banning women’s health content and amplifying harmful stereotypes. This has led to Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV), defined by the UN Women as violence enabled by digital technologies.
An experiment using MidJourney revealed biases in AI, showcasing a lack of women in tech leadership roles. The inability to visualize safe mixed-gender digital spaces indicates structural exclusions in digital design. To address these issues, we need robust reforms: reinstating fact-checking, ensuring diverse representation in tech, and enacting stronger laws against online harassment. Governments must enact legislation to enforce digital safety, while active participation from men is crucial in challenging misogyny and advocating for systemic change. A foundational redesign of digital safety is essential for a more equitable online environment.
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