Safeguarding women in digital spaces: Legal responses to cyber harassment and objectification on social media

Abstract

Motivation

Digital objectification and cyber bullying are a growing menace in the virtual world, with women bearing the brunt of the harassment and compromising their autonomy, dignity and safety. These harms are exacerbated by patriarchal norms and intersectional disparities (by race, class, and geography) and there is a lack of adequate legal and platform responses.

Purpose

This research seeks to assess the state of international law that deals with cyber harassment and objectification of digital objects, gaps in enforcement, and gender-sensitive changes. It discusses the ways feminist and intersectional approaches can be used to guide better laws, platform responsibility, and victim safety.

Approach and Methods

Based on a qualitative, comparative legal analysis, the study compares the national and international legislation, such as the EU GDPR, Violence Against Women Act in the U.S., and Information Technology Act in India, as well as the treaties, such as the Budapest Convention. Feminist and intersectional approaches to case studies of high-profile incidents are used to evaluate the systemic failures and good practices.

Findings

The research shows that there are disjointed and unevenly applied legal safeguards. The most frequent problems are jurisdictional difficulties, insufficient gender-related provisions, poor regulation of the platform, and victim-blaming culture. New forms of online harassment such as deepfakes and non-consensual sharing of images are out-pacing the law. The vulnerability is further exacerbated by intersectional factors, especially women of colour, those identifying as LGBTQ+, and those living in rural or low-income settings.

Policy Implications

The results support the necessity of harmonised, gender-sensitive cyber laws that consider online harms that are specific to women. The recommendations are to create digital consent laws, enhance international collaboration, require platforms to be responsible, enhance law enforcement training, and incorporate survivor-centred practices. The involvement of the global community and cultural transition is critical to the rights and security of women in cyberspace.