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Protecting Young Women from Online Abuse and Deepfakes
Most of us have at least one young woman in our lives whom we cherish—whether it’s a daughter, niece, or friend. This International Women’s Day, I learned something alarming: a staggering 96% of AI-generated images and videos that use someone’s likeness are pornographic, targeting women without their consent.
One notorious case involved an Australian law student who discovered manipulated pornographic images of herself circulating online when she was just 18. Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. A recent survey reveals that AI deepfakes are among the growing forms of online abuse faced by women, despite being a relatively new technology.
However, deepfakes are just one piece of the puzzle. According to the same survey, one in four women in the U.S. reports experiencing some form of online abuse, including cyberbullying, doxxing, sexual harassment, trolling, and AI exploitation. Women aged 18 to 34 face significantly higher levels of abuse than older generations.
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Why Are Younger Women at Higher Risk?
The answer lies in their digital habits. Research shows that younger generations spend twice as much time on social media as older ones (80% compared to 42%). Additionally, women tend to use these platforms more actively than men.
Data privacy also plays a role. Younger generations are generally less concerned about safeguarding their personal information online, making them more vulnerable to cybercrimes and abuse. Growing up in a digital-first world, many seem desensitized to data collection, often sharing personal details without hesitation.
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How Can You Help?
If you’re concerned about the young women in your life (and you should be), here are actionable steps to protect them and guide them safely through the digital world:
1. Teach Them About Online Privacy
Encourage them to:
- Set social media profiles to private to limit visibility of photos, videos, and personal data.
- Be selective about accepting friend requests and followers.
- Understand how social media platforms are designed to be addictive, seeking validation through likes and comments, which can make them more vulnerable to predators.
2. Remove Personal Information from the Internet
Online abusers often use publicly available data to target victims. Help them:
- Google their name to identify where their personal information appears.
- Opt out of people-search websites that often list names, addresses, and phone numbers.
- Use a personal data removal service to automate the process and keep their information private.
3. Provide Support and Resources
Online abuse can happen despite precautions. Let them know they’re not alone. Resources include:
- Cyber Civil Rights Initiative (for deepfake and revenge porn victims): Offers legal and emotional support.
- Crisis Text Line: Text 741741 to connect with trained crisis counselors.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for immediate support.
4. Promote Digital Literacy and Critical Thinking
Encourage them to question what they see online, spot misinformation, and recognize potential scams.
5. Advocate for Strong Passwords and Security Measures
Teach them the importance of unique passwords, password managers, and two-factor authentication.
6. Encourage a Healthy Online-Offline Balance
Support offline hobbies and social activities to reduce screen time and mitigate online negativity.
7. Stay Informed About Online Trends
Keep up with the latest social media platforms and threats to guide informed conversations about online safety.
8. Foster Open Communication
Create a judgment-free space where they feel comfortable sharing their online experiences.
9. Recommend Reliable Antivirus Software
Protect their devices with robust antivirus software to safeguard against malware, phishing, and ransomware.
Kurt’s Key Takeaway:
Online abuse is a serious issue that disproportionately affects young women. By educating, protecting, and empowering them, we can create a safer digital environment. Together, let’s foster a culture of online security where young women can thrive without fear of harassment or abuse.
What are your biggest concerns about the digital world and the safety of young women in your life? Share your thoughts at Tech Word News.com/contact.
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