The United Nations has issued an urgent warning about the surging wave of digital violence against women, stressing that this is no longer a matter of simple online harassment , it has become a dangerous, fast-evolving threat with real-world consequences.
As part of its 2025 campaign for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, observed on 25 November, the UN is placing a sharp spotlight on the ways in which technology is being misused to target, silence, and intimidate women across the globe.
According to the UN, the rapid growth of sophisticated digital tools has opened new avenues for abuse. AI-generated deepfakes, doctored videos, non-consensual image sharing, cyberstalking, and large-scale harassment campaigns are increasingly being used as weapons to humiliate women, destroy reputations, and restrict their participation in public life. These attacks often bleed into offline consequences , from mental health trauma and social isolation to physical threats and violence — making digital abuse one of the most alarming frontiers of gender-based violence today.
The UN also directs strong criticism at major technology platforms, arguing that many have failed to build adequate safeguards, enforce consistent policies, or provide meaningful support for survivors. Weak reporting systems, slow responses, and inconsistent enforcement of community guidelines have left millions of women vulnerable. As a result, the organisation is calling for immediate, far-reaching reforms, including stricter regulations, better content moderation, stronger legal protections, and greater accountability from the tech industry.
Through this year’s campaign, the UN is urging governments, digital platforms, and communities to work together, recognise the gravity of digital violence, and build a safer online environment for women and girls. The message is clear: in a world increasingly shaped by technology, protecting women’s rights online is an essential part of protecting their rights everywhere.
