Forms of Technology Facilitated Gender-based Violence

Pictures or videos posted online without a subject’s consent, often by a former romantic partner as an act of revenge. While these images or videos can be sexually explicit, they can also include other intimate content non-consensually shared.

These photos can be legally obtained or accessed through illicit means. The goal of distributing this type of content is often to shame or humiliate an individual.

Case Example:

Divya and Tarush have recently broken up. Tarush is upset about the breakup and decides to post sexually explicit photos of Divya online to hurt her reputation.

Threatening to share private images or videos in exchange for money, more explicit content, or sexual favours.

Case Example:

Amrit receives a message online from a young girl. They connect and exchange intimate photos. Amrit feels secure sending these photos because she sent one to him. After he sends the intimate photo, a third party contacts him and says they will share it online unless he sends 5000 rupees. Amrit realises the photo of the girl was AI-generated and that she probably isn't real.

Aggressive comments or behaviours online towards a particular person or groups of people. While online harassment can occur regardless of gender, women and girls experience a gendered form of harassment which often takes on a sexual component such as rape threats or comments on their sexual desirability.

Case Example:

Priya is a student at a local university. She has started to receive crude messages online from anonymous users after she broke up with her boyfriend.

Large-scale coordinated attacks by groups of people towards an individual or group of people. This harassment is coordinated through social network sites and escalated by the networked audience who amplify the violence.

This includes common forms of harassment, such as derogatory comments, threats of violence, or intentional embarrassment. Networked harassment is commonly experienced by women in public-facing spaces or male-dominated fields such as politicians, journalists, academics, or women in male-dominated professions.

Case Example:

Uda is a Dalit woman and an activist. She begins receiving harassing messages which include casteist hate speech and sexualized threats. Uda is now considering deleting her social media accounts, even though they are her primary advocacy tool.

Publishing or sharing identifiable personal information which creates harm or puts victims at risk of harm. Doxxing can lead to real-world violence and the potential for harm can create fear and mental distress.

Case Example:

Anika has written an article discussing the lack of women in politics. In response, an anonymous user posted her mobile number and address.

Secret recording, viewing, or sharing of a person’s private or intimate moments without their consent using digital tools such as hidden cameras, smartphones, or drones. The commercial availability of personal recording devices has created new opportunities for voyeuristic forms of TFGBV.

Examples:

Riddhi is at a nightclub with some friends. During this time, an individual uses Meta glasses to film her dancing with a boy. They post this online without her consent.

Use of technology to engage in stalking behaviours, including GPS-enabled accessories, tracking technologies, or “stalkerware” to restrict, control, or threaten an individual.

Case Example:

Nina finds a new app on her mobile that allows her husband to monitor her location and see her messages/call history.

Creation of fake profiles on marriage platforms (e.g., Shaadi, BharatMatrimony) to receive large sums of money or intimate images / videos. Perpetrators will often pose as a wealthy professional, doctor, or Non-Resident Indian (NRI) and establish trust before asking for pictures or money.

Case Example:

Ruta matches with a wealthy doctor overseas who immediately declares his love. He says he sent a gift to demonstrate his love but needs her to pay the customs fee.

Warning Signs:

• Inconsistent Details: Refusal to provide verifiable information.

• Rushed Intimacy or Emotional Commitment: Pushes for quick commitment or immediate declarations of love.

• Avoids Face-to-Face Contact: Consistently avoids video calls or in-person meetups. Often by claiming they reside or work in a different location.

• Emotional Manipulation: Abuser frames any refusal to send money or consent as a lack of emotional trust.