Digital Shadows: the realities of online gender-based violence

An everyday item treated with both nonchalance and care, our phones aren’t just for social media: each tap and swipe serves to weave our digital selves into a vast tapestry of online interactions.

But in between exchanged reels and well-meaning tags, sent messages and photos posted to grid, lurk ill-intentioned figures who think nothing of violating privacy and exploiting vulnerabilities.

Cyberstalkers and cyberbullies abound, often leveraging off anonymity, the detachment granted by a keypad and screen, and the support of faceless masses. On a more quotidian level we have ‘frenemies’ who hate-read, screencap ‘receipts’, followers only too eager to spill malicious ‘tea’.

But this behaviour is just the tip of the iceberg. Online gender-based violence – an insidious form of violence that disproportionately targets women – manifests as numerous acts of aggression that range from unsolicited sexual commentary to outright threats. Some manifestations of OGBV include cyberbullying, grooming, hate speech, online impersonation, harassment, doxxing, non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII, but more often called ‘revenge porn’), and stalking.

These acts are often aimed at controlling, intimidating, or silencing individuals, particularly women and marginalised gender groups. With the anonymity and vast reach afforded by the internet, perpetrators feel emboldened in engaging in such behaviour, exacerbating the harm inflicted on victims.

A common form of OGBV is NCII, where one’s images or videos (usually but not always sexual in nature) published and/or distributed without the consent of the individual in the picture or video. This is especially rampant in platforms that promise complete anonymity such as Telegram. NCII can result in or be a result of blackmail.

OGBV carries significant consequences for women, girls, and society as a whole. As online spaces become more fraught and dangerous, women and girls will inevitably begin shrinking from these spaces resulting in their voices being silenced and decreasing democratization and equality in online spaces.

Malaysia’s commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls is still a work in progress. The nation has crafted a legal framework that moderately supports the promotion, enforcement, and monitoring of sex-based equality and non-discrimination. Notable laws that play a role in addressing OGBV include the Sexual Offences against Children Act 2017, which combats child sexual abuse; the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which governs online communications to deter cyber harassment; and the Child Act 2001 with its 2016 amendment, which concentrates on child welfare. The Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022 stands out in

Malaysia’s legal system, offering redress for sexual harassment victims and forming a specialized tribunal. This long-awaited legislation signifies Malaysia’s strides in protecting women’s rights and is a strong move forward in combating sexual harassment.

But Malaysia cannot rest on these achievements, particularly given the high levels of cyberbullying rampant nationwide. In 2023, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) recorded 3,199 complaints related to cyberbullying. In August of the same year, the government announced its intention to draft laws specifically to combat cybervictimization.

Addressing OGBV requires a multifaceted approach that involves legislative measures, policy initiatives, technological interventions, and community-driven activism. Most of us instinctively hit ‘report’ and ‘block’ to try and stop the attacks. When that fails, we are cornered into deactivating or disconnecting from social media, seeking peace of mind.

This highlights a significant gap in safety measures: instead of proactively ensuring the safety and wellbeing of their users, social media platforms and even the authorities encourage blocking or leaving the space altogether. But where social media platforms fail, legal frameworks should step in to adequately address all forms of OGBV to hold the perpetrators accountable for their actions. This can include the implementation of robust mechanisms for reporting, moderation, and support services.

Previously ranking 2nd in Asia for youth cyberbullying in 2020 – the same year several activists and community leaders banded together to take down illicit Telegram groups created to trade and share illegal pornographic content – Malaysia must be more proactive in protecting women and girls online.

This begins with users knowing their rights, and being aware of what crimes have been committed. Online harassment, which mainly affects women, girls, and LGBTQI individuals can be separated into several categories. Here are just some:

Doxxing

Posting sensitive or personal content such as home and work addresses, telephone numbers, family names and information, and email addresses without permission.

Cyberstalking

Dangerous because of how often it can translate into physical stalking, cyberstalking is characterized by persistent, unwanted, and/or threatening online surveillance and contact.

Image-based abuse

The use of images, most usually sexual, to exploit, humiliate, or harass. This can include NCII, but also non-consensual sharing of pornography. Another form of NCII is the shallowfake or morphing – attaching someone’s face to another person’s body to sexualise and degrade the person.

Online impersonation

Often seen on Instagram, this involves a fake profile assuming the identity of a real person. This is often used to ruin reputations or undermine safety and privacy.

Cyberbullying

The constant and intentional infliction of damage or trauma using technology to scare, belittle, or emotionally harm an individual or group.

According to the United Nations, women are 27 times more likely to experience OGBV then men – but even more worryingly, women are also unaware or short on access to remedy. Online guidance to avoid OGBV most often places the onus on the survivor to practice social media hygiene and safety, rather than penalising perpetrators.

Online gender-based violence is a pervasive issue that demands our attention and action. As Malaysia continues to develop its legal and policy frameworks, it is crucial to address the root causes of OGBV and implement comprehensive measures to protect women and marginalized groups online. By fostering a safer digital environment, we can create a more equitable and inclusive online world for everyone.