RECOMMENDATION

REPORT

CENTRE FOR SOCIAL RESEARCH

E M P O W E R I N G W O M E N

I N T H E D I G I T A L A G E

E N S U R I N G O N L I N E S A F E T Y A N D D I G I T A L W E L L B E I N G

E M P O W E R I N G W O M E N I N T H E D I G I T A L A G E

Centre for Social Research (CSR) is a non-profit

organization based in New Delhi. CSR is

dedicated to creating a violence-free, gender-

just society through social research, capacity

building and advocacy.

ABOUT CSR

A D E C A D E O F C S R ’ S D I G I T A L

S A F E T Y I N I T I A T I V E

At the Centre for Social Research (CSR), the team has been working closely with women, children,

and youth of the country on issues related to digital safety and online well-being through the lens

of gender for over a decade. This work involves capacity building, research, advocacy,

collaboration, and awareness generation.

Summary

On December 4, 2023, the Centre for Social Research (CSR) with support from the Netherlands

Embassy and the Women Engage Online Alliance (WEON) hosted a pivotal dialogue in New

Delhi titled "Empowering Women in the Digital Age: Ensuring Online Safety and Digital

Wellbeing." The event convened a diverse assembly of experts, WEON members, dedicated

individuals, and organizations advocating for women's rights. Think tanks, advocacy groups

specializing in digital safety, dynamic youth representatives, and key government

stakeholders participated, creating a platform for diverse perspectives and a collective

commitment to safeguarding women's rights in the digital landscape.

The Dutch Ambassador in New Delhi, Marisa Gerard, initiated the conversation by providing

an overview of the extent of online violence, encompassing its prevalence in both the

Netherlands and India. Shockingly, she revealed that globally, 58% of women aged 15-25

encounter harassment. Notably, even the Minister of Finance in the Netherlands faced

harassment, leading to their decision to exit politics. Journalists were not exempt from this

issue, with 1 in 3 women experiencing gender-based violence.

Dr. Ranjana Kumari, Director of the Centre for Social Research, emphasized the significance

of empowering women in digital spaces. She shared insights into CSR India's decade-long

commitment to the online safety and security forum, highlighting impactful initiatives,

pioneering programs, and various efforts undertaken to combat online violence.

In her keynote address, award-winning Indian journalist Barkha Dutt underscored the

prevailing gender disparity in technology access within households. Dutt pointed out that, in

most homes, the majority of men have access to telephones, with 60% of males having

mobile phone accessibility compared to women. Emphasizing the weaponization of

technology against women, she illustrated instances where technology is both blocked for

women and simultaneously used against them.

Dutt drew attention to the distinct language used to criticize women compared to men and

called for a closer examination of big platforms' activities algorithmically. She raised

pertinent questions, addressing the paradox of technology and emphasizing the need to

ensure safety on digital platforms. Additionally, she shed light on the self-image issues that

girls often contend with on social media. The pressing issues she presented warrant

thoughtful consideration and further inquiry.

E M P O W E R I N G W O M E N I N T H E D I G I T A L A G E

Key Insights:

K ar u n a N a i n , O n l i n e S a f e t y E x p e r t , F o r m e r D i r e c t o r , G l o b a l S a f e t y

P o l i c y , M E T A

" I've spearheaded initiatives like StopNCII.org, addressing the concerning issue of non-

consensual image sharing against women. META has taken steps, such as introducing

features like locked profiles on Facebook, to enhance data privacy. However, there's still

much work to be done. It's my belief that more initiatives, grounded in humility and a

genuine commitment to user well-being, are needed from tech platforms.”

D r . S a m i r P a r i k h , C h a i r p e r s o n , F o r t i s M e n t a l H e a l t h P r o g r a m

“ Both online and offline harm can inflict similar levels of mental damage. Unfortunately,

online violence has often been treated with less seriousness. Regarding mental health,

collaboration with the school community is essential, with a special emphasis on integrating

media literacy. The impact of social media platforms should also be carefully considered. It's

crucial to understand that optimism does not equate to naivety or ignorance. ”

Y a s h A g a r w a l , F o u n d e r , P r o f i c y

“ An interesting point emerges when considering the idea that if platforms required users

to use their real pictures and identities, a substantial reduction in the anonymity

prevalent on social media could occur. While this approach might enhance accountability,

it's essential to balance it with the understanding that anonymity can be crucial,

particularly for some groups, allowing them to express themselves without fear. Striking a

thoughtful balance between transparency and the preservation of essential aspects like

freedom of speech is key to fostering a safer and inclusive online environment.”

N i l a n j a n a B h o w m i c k , I n d i a n J o u r n a l i s t & A u t h o r

“ In my tech journey, dealing with harassment taught me to tackle mischievous elements

better, rather than restricting myself. We all need to stay savvy in this fast-paced tech

world, learning to use digital tools responsibly. Let's spread the word on connecting with

cyber cells and understanding our digital rights – upgrading our digital survival skills for a

friendlier online experience."

J y o t s a n a M a n o c h a , P r o g r a m H e a d , N a s s c o m F u t u r e S k i l l s

" In the tech realm, companies must go beyond innovation to create an inclusive space

ensuring everyone feels safe and unrestricted. Let's collaborate with stakeholders to prioritize

safety options and ensure easy access. Every conversation contributes to our collective

commitment to equality, fostering awareness and accessibility for all."

J y o t i V a d e h r a , H e a d o f M e d i a a n d C o m m u n i c a t i o n s , C e n t r e f o r S o c i a l

R e s e a r c h

“I underscore the paramount importance of three key pillars in our online safety initiatives:

education, awareness generation, and capacity building. These components are foundational to

all our efforts, emphasizing the continuous need for educating individuals and communities. By

fostering awareness and enhancing capacity, we empower people with the knowledge and skills

essential to navigate the digital landscape securely.”

M e d i a L i t e r a c y

: E m p h a s i z e t h e i m p o r t a n c e o f m e d i a l i t e r a c y i n

e d u c a t i o n a l i n i t i a t i v e s , a d d r e s s i n g c o n c e r n s r e l a t e d t o m i s i n f o r m a t i o n ,

c y b e r b u l l y i n g , a n d o t h e r o n l i n e t h r e a t s . C o l l a b o r a t e c l o s e l y w i t h t h e

s c h o o l c o m m u n i t y f o r a c o l l e c t i v e a n d e f f e c t i v e a p p r o a c h t o t a c k l e

d i v e r s e c h a l l e n g e s . E m b e d e t h i c a l A I p r i n c i p l e s i n t o m e d i a l i t e r a c y

p r o g r a m s t o p r o m o t e r e s p o n s i b l e t e c h n o l o g y u s e .

U s e r E d u c a t i o n a n d A w a r e n e s s

: I n i t i a t e c o m p r e h e n s i v e c a m p a i g n s

a d d r e s s i n g t e c h - r e l a t e d i s s u e s a n d o n l i n e v i o l e n c e , a i m e d a t e d u c a t i n g

u s e r s a b o u t a s s o c i a t e d r i s k s a n d p r o v i d i n g c l e a r g u i d e l i n e s f o r v e r i f y i n g

c o n t e n t a u t h e n t i c i t y . E m p o w e r i n d i v i d u a l s t o r e c o g n i z e a n d a d d r e s s

p o t e n t i a l m a n i p u l a t i o n s a c r o s s v a r i o u s c o n t e x t s . I n t e g r a t e s p e c i f i c

m o d u l e s i n t o a w a r e n e s s c a m p a i g n s t o e d u c a t e u s e r s a b o u t t h e r i s k s

a s s o c i a t e d w i t h A I a p p l i c a t i o n s , w h i l e a l s o m a k i n g t h e m a w a r e o f t h e

r e d r e s s a l m e c h a n i s m s a v a i l a b l e .

C o l l a b o r a t i v e E f f o r t s

: F o s t e r c o l l a b o r a t i o n s w i t h t e c h e n t i t i e s , i n d u s t r y

e x p e r t s , g o v e r n m e n t a l b o d i e s , a n d u s e r c o m m u n i t i e s t o a d d r e s s a

s p e c t r u m o f t e c h - r e l a t e d c h a l l e n g e s a n d o n l i n e v i o l e n c e i s s u e s . S h a r e

b e s t p r a c t i c e s , t o o l s , a n d s t r a t e g i e s f o r c o l l e c t i v e a c t i o n a g a i n s t

e m e r g i n g t h r e a t s .

T r a n s p a r e n c y a n d A c c o u n t a b i l i t y

: I m p l e m e n t t r a n s p a r e n t p o l i c i e s

r e g a r d i n g c o n t e n t m o d e r a t i o n a n d m a n i p u l a t i o n , e m p h a s i z i n g

a c c o u n t a b i l i t y f o r c o n t e n t c o n t r i b u t i n g t o o n l i n e v i o l e n c e . U p h o l d u s e r

t r u s t b y m a i n t a i n i n g t r a n s p a r e n c y a c r o s s v a r i o u s t e c h - r e l a t e d

c h a l l e n g e s . P r i o r i t i z e e t h i c a l c o n s i d e r a t i o n s i n c o n t e n t m o d e r a t i o n

p o l i c i e s , e n s u r i n g f a i r n e s s a n d i m p a r t i a l i t y .

R a p i d R e s p o n s e M e c h a n i s m

: E s t a b l i s h e f f i c i e n t r e p o r t i n g a n d r e s p o n s e

m e c h a n i s m s f o r s w i f t a c t i o n u p o n d e t e c t i n g c o n t e n t c o n t r i b u t i n g t o

o n l i n e v i o l e n c e . E n a b l e u s e r s t o r e p o r t a n d e s c a l a t e s u s p e c t e d c a s e s f o r

i m m e d i a t e r e v i e w a n d a c t i o n .

Key Takeaway & Recommendations:

T h e d i s c u s s i o n h i g h l i g h t e d t h e i m p o r t a n c e o f a d o p t i n g a c o l l a b o r a t i v e ,

m u l t i - s t a k e h o l d e r s t r a t e g y i n v o l v i n g c o m m u n i t i e s , c o r p o r a t i o n s , n o n -

p r o f i t s , a n d g o v e r n m e n t e n t i t i e s . T h i s c o l l e c t i v e a p p r o a c h i s d e s i g n e d t o

p r o m o t e s a f e , s e c u r e , a n d p o s i t i v e o n l i n e e x p e r i e n c e s f o r w o m e n .

F r o m t h e c o n v e r s a t i o n , t e n k e y t h e m e s e m e r g e d a s c r u c i a l g u i d e l i n e s f o r

s t a k e h o l d e r s t o i n f o r m f u t u r e i n i t i a t i v e s d e d i c a t e d t o s a f e g u a r d i n g

w o m e n ' s o n l i n e s a f e t y .

E M P O W E R I N G W O M E N I N T H E D I G I T A L A G E

A d v a n c e d D e t e c t i o n T o o l s : I n v e s t i n a n d c o n t i n u o u s l y d e v e l o p

s o p h i s t i c a t e d d e t e c t i o n a l g o r i t h m s a n d t o o l s t o c o m b a t v a r i o u s t e c h -

r e l a t e d c h a l l e n g e s c o n t r i b u t i n g t o o n l i n e v i o l e n c e . P r i o r i t i z e r e s e a r c h

a n d d e v e l o p m e n t t o s t a y a h e a d o f e v o l v i n g t e c h n o l o g i e s . A l l o c a t e

r e s o u r c e s f o r r e s e a r c h f o c u s e d o n i m p r o v i n g d e e p f a k e d e t e c t i o n

t e c h n o l o g i e s .

C o n t i n u o u s I n n o v a t i o n : S t a y a g i l e b y c o n t i n u o u s l y i n n o v a t i n g a n d

u p g r a d i n g d e t e c t i o n m e c h a n i s m s a n d t e c h n o l o g i e s . K e e p p a c e w i t h t h e

e v o l v i n g l a n d s c a p e o f t e c h t h r e a t s t o c o u n t e r n e w a n d s o p h i s t i c a t e d

m a n i p u l a t i o n s a c r o s s d i f f e r e n t d o m a i n s c o n t r i b u t i n g t o o n l i n e v i o l e n c e .

I n c o r p o r a t e e t h i c a l c o n s i d e r a t i o n s i n t o t h e d e v e l o p m e n t o f i n n o v a t i v e A I

t e c h n o l o g i e s t o p r e v e n t u n i n t e n d e d c o n s e q u e n c e s .

R e g u l a t o r y C o m p l i a n c e : A d h e r e t o a n d s u p p o r t g o v e r n m e n t a l r e g u l a t i o n s

a i m e d a t r e g u l a t i n g a b r o a d s p e c t r u m o f t e c h - r e l a t e d i s s u e s c o n t r i b u t i n g

t o o n l i n e v i o l e n c e . E n g a g e i n c o n s t r u c t i v e d i a l o g u e s w i t h r e g u l a t o r y

b o d i e s t o c o n t r i b u t e t o t h e f o r m u l a t i o n o f e f f e c t i v e p o l i c i e s t h a t c o v e r

v a r i o u s c h a l l e n g e s . A d v o c a t e f o r a n d c o n t r i b u t e t o t h e d e v e l o p m e n t o f

l e g i s l a t i o n s p e c i f i c a l l y a d d r e s s i n g d e e p f a k e c r e a t i o n a n d d i s s e m i n a t i o n ,

a n d d e v e l o p m e n t a n d u s e o f a r t i f i c i a l i n t e l l i g e n c e .

E t h i c a l T e c h D e v e l o p m e n t : M a i n t a i n a c o m m i t m e n t t o e t h i c a l t e c h

d e v e l o p m e n t a n d u s a g e , r e c o g n i z i n g t h e p o t e n t i a l f o r m i s u s e o r h a r m i n a

r a n g e o f a p p l i c a t i o n s c o n t r i b u t i n g t o o n l i n e v i o l e n c e . D e p l o y

t e c h n o l o g i e s r e s p o n s i b l y a c r o s s d i f f e r e n t c o n t e x t s t o p r i o r i t i z e u s e r

s a f e t y . I n t e g r a t e e t h i c a l c o n s i d e r a t i o n s i n t o t h e d e v e l o p m e n t l i f e c y c l e o f

A I a p p l i c a t i o n s t o m i t i g a t e p o t e n t i a l e t h i c a l c o n c e r n s .

C o m m u n i t y E n g a g e m e n t : A c t i v e l y e n g a g e w i t h u s e r c o m m u n i t i e s t o

g a t h e r f e e d b a c k a n d i n s i g h t s r e g a r d i n g v a r i o u s t e c h - r e l a t e d c h a l l e n g e s

a n d o n l i n e v i o l e n c e i s s u e s . E n c o u r a g e c o l l a b o r a t i o n w i t h t h e u s e r b a s e t o

e n h a n c e a w a r e n e s s , r e s p o n s i v e n e s s , a n d r e s i l i e n c e a g a i n s t t h e

m u l t i f a c e t e d c h a l l e n g e s p o s e d b y t e c h n o l o g i e s i n t h e c o n t e x t o f o n l i n e

v i o l e n c e .

T h e C e n t r e f o r S o c i a l R e s e a r c h w i l l b e f o r m u l a t i n g a c o m p r e h e n s i v e

e n g a g e m e n t p l a n t o b r i n g t o g e t h e r v a r i o u s s t a k e h o l d e r g r o u p s f o r m o r e

s u s t a i n e d i n i t i a t i v e s o n o n l i n e s a f e t y f o r w o m e n , c h i l d r e n , a n d y o u t h .

T o j o i n u s , r e a c h o u t a t : j y o t i @ c s r i n d i a . o r g , t a n y a @ c s r i n d i a . o r g

E M P O W E R I N G W O M E N I N T H E D I G I T A L A G E

In Picture (left to right): Nilanjana Bhowmick, Jyotsana Malocha, Joost van

Oostenbruggen, Jyoti Vadehra, Karuna Nain, Dr. Samir Parikh, Peter Knoope, Dr. Ranjana

Kumari, Yash Agarwal, Ambassador Marisa Gerards, Tanya Thakur, Asmita Singh

In Picture: Barkha Dutt

@CENTRE FOR SOCIAL RESEARCH

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