Protect your daughter from deepfakes and online abuse

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s important to address a concerning issue that affects young women in the digital world. Recent studies have shown that a staggering 96% of all deepfakes, which are AI-generated images and videos using someone’s likeness, are pornographic in nature and target women without their consent. This type of online abuse is just one of many that women face, with one in four women in the U.S. reporting experiencing some form of online abuse, including cyberbullying, doxxing, sexual harassment, trolling, and AI deepfakes.

Young women between the ages of 18 and 34 are particularly vulnerable to online abuse, as they spend more time online and are less concerned about data privacy compared to older generations. This makes them easy targets for online predators and cyberbullies. It’s crucial for us to take steps to protect the young women in our lives and empower them to navigate the digital world safely.

One important step is to have open conversations about online privacy and digital literacy. Encourage young women to set their social media profiles to private, be selective about who they accept as friends, and question what they see online. Removing personal information from the internet, using strong and unique passwords, and promoting a healthy balance between online and offline activities are also key strategies to safeguard against online abuse.

Additionally, make sure that the young women in your life have access to support and resources in case they experience online abuse. Organizations like the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative, Crisis Text Line, and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can provide the necessary assistance and guidance during moments of crisis. By staying informed about current online trends and threats, and encouraging open communication about online experiences, we can create a safer digital environment for young women.

Ultimately, a safer internet for women means a safer internet for everyone. By taking proactive steps to educate, protect, and empower young women in the digital world, we can work together to combat online abuse and ensure that they can thrive online without fear of harassment and exploitation. Let’s strive to create a culture of online safety and support for all women, both now and in the future.