Combating Digital Gender-Based Violence: New Regulatory Measures

Digital gender-based violence (DGBV) encompasses harmful actions such as cyberstalking, online harassment, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. These acts not only infringe upon individuals' privacy but also perpetuate systemic gender inequalities, leading to significant psychological and emotional distress for victims.

Recognizing the urgency to address DGBV, the Ministry of Interior and the Federal Commission for Cyber Security (FCSC) have collaborated to introduce a comprehensive regulatory model aimed at combating these digital offenses. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to creating safer online environments, particularly for women and marginalized communities who are disproportionately affected by such violence.

The newly proposed regulatory framework emphasizes several key strategies:

1. Strengthening Legal Provisions: Updating existing laws to explicitly define and criminalize various forms of DGBV, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable.

2. Capacity Building: Training law enforcement agencies and judicial bodies to effectively handle cases of digital violence, ensuring timely and sensitive responses to victims.

3. Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about the manifestations and consequences of DGBV, promoting digital literacy, and encouraging respectful online behavior.

4. Support Systems for Victims: Establishing dedicated helplines and support centers that offer legal advice, psychological counseling, and assistance in content removal from online platforms.

5. Collaboration with Tech Companies: Working closely with social media platforms and tech firms to swiftly identify and remove harmful content, and to implement robust reporting mechanisms.

This regulatory model draws inspiration from international best practices and aligns with global human rights frameworks, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). By doing so, it ensures that the measures are both effective and respectful of fundamental rights.

The successful implementation of this model requires a multi-stakeholder approach, involving government entities, civil society organizations, tech companies, and the general public. Collectively, these efforts aim to foster a digital landscape where all individuals can engage without fear of harassment or violence, thereby promoting equality and respect in online spaces.