BERLIN: Anyone can fall victim to online abuse. It doesn't take more than a few clicks and an AI bot, and suddenly the world can see pornographic images that were made to look like you.
With deepfakes – deceptively realistic manipulated images, videos or audio created using artificial intelligence – becoming easier to make than ever, and experts saying the software will only improve, it's important to understand that online abuse is real abuse and comes with real threats.
According to some experts, online abuse has even become more frequent than physical abuse within social circles, meaning it's time for everyone - from users, to social media platforms to lawmakers – to take it seriously.
What is online violence?
Online violence is any form of violence perpetrated via digital means – from social media platforms to email and messaging apps to dating platforms.
It is important to understand that even if it happens online, that doesn't make it any less real.
Typical forms of online violence include cyberstalking - for example by constantly monitoring someone's movements via digital means, stalking on social media or unwanted contact – and cyberharassment, which involves someone systematically insulting, threatening or intimidating someone else online.
The distribution of non-consensual pornography, also known as revenge porn, is another common form of online abuse and involves the dissemination of sexually explicit images of someone, often women, without their consent.
Sharing sexually explicit deepfakes of someone without their consent is a related form of online violence.
Another way to harm someone online is by publishing sensitive personal data without consent – for example an address, phone number or employer – an act known as doxxing (a term that emerged from the abbreviated form of documents – docs).
Creating a fake profile of someone is another form of online abuse.
Digital violence is neither a private matter nor a trivial offence, according to Germany's Ministry for Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth.
It has real consequences, including severe psychological effects – such as anxiety, social withdrawal and sleep disorders.
That means it is crucial to speak out when you notice someone is being targeted online and for victims to seek help if they can.
Where to find help?
Many countries have long had consultation centres for abuse victims where experts are available 24 hours a day to offer confidential counselling and advice free of charge, whether in person, by phone or online.
Many organisations also provide legal support and will accompany you to the police when you decide you want to lodge a criminal complaint.
What steps to take when you've fallen victim to online abuse
If you suspect you have become the victim of online violence, here are some steps you can take.
1. Secure evidence
Immediately take a screenshot of all incriminating content. This helps to secure evidence even if the perpetrator later takes down the images. Make sure that the date and time of posting, the user name and the URL are visible, if possible.
If you are unable to do this yourself, for example because it is too traumatic, ask someone you trust to help you.
2. Report
Most social media platforms including Instagram, TikTok and WhatsApp have a report function that allows you to report abusive content and ask for it to be taken down. Be sure to save the report, for example by screenshotting it.
3. Protect your sensitive content
The free tool StopNCII – which stands for Stop Non-Consensual Intimate Image – can create a hash, a kind of digital fingerprint, of an intimate image or video on your device, helping prevent it being shared without your consent.
The hash is shared with a network of participating platforms, without actually sharing the image or video itself. If anyone tries to share your image or video on any of these platforms, the hash will be matched and the content reviewed for removal.
Current participating platforms listed by StopNCII include Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Bluesky, Reddit, X, OnlyFans and Pornhub.
4. File a complaint
Filing a complaint with police, although it might not be easy, should always be considered. Consider asking someone to accompany you for emotional support. In many countries, complaints can also be filed online.– dpa
