GAMAG contributes to Inter-American Model Law to address online violence against women
Sociodigital violence against women, also referred to as “Technology-facilitated gender-based violence” is rising, facilitated by digital technologies. The Global Alliance on Media and Gender (GAMAG) and the Feminist Laboratory of Digital Rights contributed to the Organization of American States’ project to design an inter-American model law to prevent, punish and eradicate online violence against women.
Sociodigital violence includes acts like cyber harassment, doxing, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, and hate speech. This form of violence severely impacts women’s dignity, privacy, and safety. Currently, comprehensive legal frameworks and human rights perspectives in existing legislation are lacking. Recent legal reforms in Mexico have bypassed the complexity of such violence. A holistic approach is needed, one that integrates prevention, protection, and reparation, while addressing challenges such as the rapid evolution of technology, the transnational nature of digital platforms, and the lack of accountability from tech companies. The concepts of consent, privacy, and free choice in the context of sociodigital violence are problematic. There is need for a co-regulatory model involving governments, corporations, and civil society to ensure women’s digital rights are upheld.
Among the key recommendations in the paper are that the rights of those targeted by such violence be established as well as reparation and accountability mechanisms. Integrating these measures into national legislation is imperative to address sociodigital violence effectively and secure women’s right to a life free from violence.