Technology is changing the way we live, work, and communicate. While it brings many benefits, it also comes with risks, especially for young people. One of the most concerning risks is Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV), which uses digital tools to harm others, particularly women and girls. With the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies, TFGBV is becoming more complex and dangerous. As a parent, it’s important to understand how these technologies are being used for harm and what you can do to protect your children.
What is Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV)?
TFGBV refers to any act of violence that is committed, assisted, or made worse by the use of digital technologies. This includes online harassment, cyberstalking, doxxing (sharing someone’s personal information without consent), and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images (also known as revenge porn).With the rise of AI and emerging technologies, TFGBV has become more sophisticated and harder to detect. For example, AI can be used to create fake images or videos of someone, which can then be used to harass or blackmail them. This is why it’s crucial for parents to understand how these technologies work and how they can be used for harm.
How AI and Emerging Technologies Are Used in TFGBV
1. Deepfakes and AI-Generated Abuse
- What it is: Deepfakes are fake images or videos created using AI. They can make it look like someone is saying or doing something they never did.
- How it’s used in TFGBV: Deepfakes can be used to create fake explicit content of someone, which can then be shared online to humiliate or blackmail them. For example, a deepfake video might make it look like a young person is doing something inappropriate, even though it’s completely fake.
- Why it’s dangerous: Deepfakes are very convincing and can spread quickly online, causing serious harm to a person’s reputation and mental health.
2. AI-Powered Harassment and Cyberstalking
- What it is: AI can be used to automate harassment or stalking. For example, bots (automated programs) can send thousands of abusive messages to someone in a short amount of time.
- How it’s used in TFGBV: AI-powered bots can be used to flood someone’s social media accounts with hateful messages or threats. This can be especially overwhelming for young people who may not know how to handle such attacks.
- Why it’s dangerous: AI-powered harassment can happen 24/7, making it hard for victims to escape. It can also make it difficult to identify the real person behind the abuse.
3. AI and Non-Consensual Image Sharing
- What it is: AI can be used to create or manipulate intimate images without someone’s consent. For example, AI can be used to “undress” someone in a photo or create fake explicit images.
- How it’s used in TFGBV: These fake images can be shared online or used to blackmail someone. This is often referred to as “deepfake porn.”
- Why it’s dangerous: Non-consensual image sharing can cause severe emotional distress and harm a person’s reputation. It’s also hard to remove these images once they’re online.
4. AI and Doxxing
- What it is: Doxxing is when someone’s personal information (like their address, phone number, or workplace) is shared online without their consent.
- How it’s used in TFGBV: AI can be used to gather personal information about someone and then share it online, often to incite harassment or violence.
- Why it’s dangerous: Doxxing can put someone at risk of physical harm, as well as online abuse. It can also lead to stalking or even swatting (when someone makes a false report to the police, leading to a SWAT team being sent to the victim’s home).
How Technology Can Be Part of the Solution
While AI and emerging technologies are being used to perpetrate TFGBV, they can also be part of the solution. Here are some ways technology can be used to combat TFGBV:
1. AI for Detection and Prevention
- How it works: AI can be used to detect harmful content online, such as abusive messages, fake images, or doxxing attempts. For example, social media platforms can use AI to automatically flag and remove harmful content.
- Why it’s helpful: AI can help platforms respond quickly to TFGBV, reducing the harm caused by online abuse.
2. AI for Survivor Support
- How it works: AI-powered chatbots can provide support to survivors of TFGBV, offering resources and guidance on how to report abuse or seek help.
- Why it’s helpful: Chatbots can provide immediate support to survivors, especially in situations where human help may not be available.
3. AI for Education and Awareness
- How it works: AI can be used to create educational tools that teach young people about online safety and how to recognize TFGBV.
- Why it’s helpful: Education is key to preventing TFGBV, and AI can help make these resources more accessible and engaging for young people.
What Parents Can Do to Protect Their Children
As a parent, you play a crucial role in keeping your children safe online. Here are some practical steps you can take to protect them from TFGBV:
1. Talk to Your Kids About Online Safety
- Why it’s important: Many young people don’t realize the risks of sharing personal information or images online. Having an open conversation about online safety can help them make better decisions.
- What to say: Teach your kids about the dangers of TFGBV, including deepfakes, cyberstalking, and non-consensual image sharing. Encourage them to think carefully before sharing anything online.
2. Monitor Their Online Activity
- Why it’s important: While it’s important to respect your child’s privacy, monitoring their online activity can help you spot potential risks and intervene early.
- What to do: Use parental control apps to monitor your child’s social media use and online interactions. Look out for signs of harassment or abuse.
3. Teach Them How to Report Abuse
- Why it’s important: Many young people don’t know how to report online abuse, which can make it harder for them to get help.
- What to do: Teach your kids how to use reporting tools on social media platforms and apps. Encourage them to report any abusive behavior they encounter.
4. Encourage Open Communication
- Why it’s important: If your child is experiencing TFGBV, they may be too scared or embarrassed to tell you. Encouraging open communication can help them feel more comfortable seeking help.
- What to do: Let your child know that they can come to you with any problems, no matter how big or small. Reassure them that you’re there to support them, not to judge.
5. Stay Informed About Emerging Technologies
- Why it’s important: As technology evolves, so do the risks. Staying informed about new technologies can help you better understand the threats your child may face.
- What to do: Keep up with the latest news about AI and emerging technologies. Talk to your kids about how these technologies can be used for harm and how they can protect themselves.
Conclusion
AI and emerging technologies are changing the way TFGBV is perpetrated, making it more sophisticated and harder to detect. As a parent, it’s important to understand these risks and take steps to protect your children. By talking to your kids about online safety, monitoring their online activity, and staying informed about new technologies, you can help keep them safe from TFGBV.Remember, technology can also be part of the solution. AI can be used to detect and prevent TFGBV, support survivors, and educate young people about online safety. By working together, we can create a safer digital world for everyone.
Key Takeaways:
- AI and emerging technologies are being used to perpetrate TFGBV, including deepfakes, AI-powered harassment, and non-consensual image sharing.
- Technology can also be part of the solution, with AI being used to detect harmful content, support survivors, and educate young people.
- Parents can protect their children by talking to them about online safety, monitoring their online activity, and teaching them how to report abuse.
- Staying informed about emerging technologies is crucial for understanding the risks and helping your child stay safe online.
By taking these steps, you can help protect your children from the dangers of TFGBV and ensure they have a positive and safe experience online.