Women’s Human Rights in Cyberspace Addressing Online Violence and Digital Abuse

Abstract

The explosion in digital technologies and online platforms of communication have changed people's communication, economic engagement and democratic involvement all over the world. But cyberspace has also become a major location of gender-based violence, disproportionately targeting women, through cyberstalking, online harassment, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, trolling, doxing, identity theft and technology facilitated abuse. These are examples of digital violence that not only violate the dignity, privacy and freedom of expression of women but also pose a threat to internationally agreed human rights standards. The article critically discusses the relationship between women's human rights and cyberspace, through a discussion of the legal, constitutional, and socio-technical aspects of online violence and digital abuse. It examines the effectiveness of the current international human rights documents, cyber legislation and Indian law in tackling new forms of online gender-based violence. The research subsequently examines the contribution of social media platforms, state institutions, law enforcement bodies and judicial bodies to digital safety and accountability. Constitutional safeguards on equality, privacy, dignity and freedom under the Indian law system are particularly emphasized. It suggests that a combination of comprehensive legal changes, a gender-oriented cyber governance framework, increased platform accountability, digital literacy programs and coordinated international cooperation are needed to effectively protect women in digital environments. It emphasizes that protecting women's human rights in cyberspace is integral to the realization of substantive equality and inclusive digital democracy in the twenty-first century.