The rise of AI-generated pornographic images is fuelling a new wave of online gender-based violence (OGBV), targeting women and minors with ease.
Recently, X user Elyanasparks (@elybaeraq) publicly shared her experience of filing a police report against a perpetrator who was selling AI-generated pornographic images of her. Her post quickly went viral, sparking considerable engagement and prompting other women to come forward with similar experiences in digital exploitation. This growing crisis demands urgent legal action, enforcement of the law, and better protection for survivors.
In response, a coalition of civil society organisations, including Kryss Network and Women's Aid Organisation (WAO), along with Women's Centre for Change (WCC) Penang, All Women's Action Society (Awam), Perak Women for Women Society (PWW), Justice for Sisters (JFS), People Like Us Hang Out (PLUHO), Association of Women Lawyers (AWL), Persatuan Kesedaran Komuniti Selangor (Empower), Sisters in Islam (SIS), Tenaganita, and Family Frontiers, have issued a joint press statement expressing deep concern over the lack of awareness and support available for survivors.
The problem is escalating. According to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), there has been a sharp increase in AI-generated explicit content, with 1,225 such images removed as of Dec 1, 2024. This marks a staggering rise from just 186 in 2022. Additionally, child sexual exploitation content removed by MCMC surged to 800 cases, compared to 34 in 2022, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching disclosed in the Dewan Rakyat, according to Bernama.
Despite existing legal provisions, AI-generated pornography remains an under-addressed aspect of OGBV, says the statement.
Kryss Network and WAO emphasised the importance of acknowledging AI-generated pornography as a form of OGBV.
“OGBV refers to any form of gender-based violence that is facilitated by technology or online platforms, including artificial intelligence (AI) and social media. Many are unaware of its existence, and when faced with incidents like AI-generated pornographic images, survivors often don't know how to respond or where to seek help,” the statement explained.
“Because OGBV is a relatively new and evolving crime, authorities often struggle to handle cases effectively. However, its impact is severe, ranging from psychological distress to real-life consequences on a survivor's work, studies and personal relationships.”
The statement warned that survivors may experience anxiety, depression, withdrawal from social interactions and loss of focus due to the shame and stigma associated with such violations.
Recognising the urgency of the issue, Kryss Network has launched the OGBV Toolkit, a resource designed to assist survivors in navigating their experiences, understanding their rights, and increasing public awareness about OGBV.
The toolkit includes a clear definition of OGBV, an overview of its different forms and response strategies, guidance on initial steps survivors can take, information on relevant laws protecting victims, reporting mechanisms for social media platforms and details on available support services.
“Action must be taken urgently. This is not just a women's issue, it is a serious digital safety crisis affecting women and minors in an increasingly interconnected world,” the statement concluded.
More info at: Kryss Network
