Report on Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, and Violent Extremism: Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) remains a pervasive issue globally, despite being preventable. The rise of digital technology has given way to Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV), which exacerbates both online and offline violence. Rooted in extreme misogyny, TFGBV and SGBV reinforce each other and contribute to violent extremism and radicalisation, particularly affecting women, girls, and LGBTQI+ individuals. This report emphasizes the critical need to address these interconnected phenomena in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

How Digital Technology Fuels TFGBV, SGBV, and Violent Extremism

TFGBV is widespread on mainstream social media platforms, with global surveys indicating high rates of online violence against women. For example:

1. 38% of women report personal experiences with online violence.
2. 85% have witnessed online violence against other women.

Despite its prevalence, TFGBV is under-recognized due to:

• Lack of standardized definitions.
• Narrow understanding of associated harms.
• Inadequate policy responses.
• Limited knowledge and awareness.

Digital technology acts as an enabler rather than a cause, amplifying misogyny and violent extremism through algorithmic engagement biases that prioritize polarizing content for profit, thereby normalizing toxic behaviors and facilitating radicalisation.

Interconnection Between TFGBV, SGBV, and Violent Extremism

Recent evidence highlights the spill-over effect from online to offline violence, illustrating the intertwined nature of TFGBV and SGBV. A notable case involved the use of digital platforms to facilitate large-scale sexual violence, demonstrating how digital technology can conceal crimes and enable impunity.

Misogyny is a common thread across various extremist ideologies, including incel-related, far-right, and religiously motivated terrorism. This nexus underscores the importance of addressing gender-based violence as part of broader efforts to prevent violent extremism.

Digital Tools as Catalysts for Radicalisation and Violence

Digital platforms have been exploited for trafficking and abuse, with extremist groups using encrypted applications for illicit activities. Studies reveal that perpetrators of mass violence often have histories of gender-based violence, highlighting the role of misogyny as a driver of violent extremism.

The rapid acceleration of online radicalisation, now occurring in weeks rather than months, poses significant risks to youth exposed daily to online violence. This trend demands urgent attention to prevent the normalization of misogynistic rhetoric and violent extremism.

Preventing TFGBV, SGBV, and Violent Extremism: Strategic Approaches

Effective prevention requires integrated strategies that address the shared root causes of TFGBV, SGBV, and violent extremism, including misogyny, harmful ideologies, social exclusion, and gender-related grievances. Key recommendations include:

• Gender Mainstreaming: Incorporate a gender lens in algorithm design to promote fairness, detect gendered hate speech early, and disrupt radicalisation pathways.
• Content Moderation: Reduce or remove harmful content progression, implement subscriber consent for extreme material, and establish grievance mechanisms to support survivors of TFGBV.
• Counter-Narratives: Develop algorithms that promote empathetic and equitable content, subsidize access to credible news sources, and enhance fact-checking to interrupt extremist narratives.

These measures align with SDG 5 by promoting gender equality and SDG 16 by fostering peaceful and inclusive societies. Additionally, they support SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by encouraging ethical technology design and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaborative efforts between tech companies, governments, and civil society.

Accountability and Governance of Digital Platforms

Digital platforms must be held accountable for their role in enabling TFGBV and SGBV. This includes:

• Implementing legally binding governance mechanisms that ensure equity and protect users.
• Adopting ethical guidelines that promote a duty of care and social responsibility.
• Allocating resources to enhance subscriber safety and reduce harm.

Such accountability supports SDG 16 by strengthening institutions and promoting justice, while fostering a safer digital environment conducive to sustainable development.

Conclusion

TFGBV, SGBV, and violent extremism are interconnected challenges that require comprehensive, gender-sensitive strategies within digital and offline contexts. Addressing these issues is essential for achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to gender equality, peace, justice, and inclusive societies. Collaborative action from technology companies, policymakers, and civil society is imperative to create safer digital spaces and prevent the escalation of violence and extremism.

About the Author

Gazbiah Sans is a Counter-Terrorism and Preventing Violent Extremism expert specializing in sexual and gender-based violence in fragile and conflict-affected contexts. With over 15 years of experience, she has worked with USAID in Cameroon and the World Bank in Afghanistan. Gazbiah serves on the Internal Review Panel for the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund and co-chairs the Christchurch Call Advisory Network. She is the Director of PVE Works.

Call to Action for Technology Companies

Technology companies interested in strengthening their capacity to counter terrorist and violent extremist activity online are encouraged to apply for GIFCT membership. Joining this coalition enables collaboration with over 30 tech platforms to prevent exploitation of online spaces by terrorists and violent extremists through shared technology, expertise, and partnerships.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality – The article extensively discusses Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV), both rooted in misogyny and gender inequality.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The article highlights violent extremism, terrorism, impunity for perpetrators, and the need for accountability and governance mechanisms on digital platforms.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – The role of digital technology and social media platforms in facilitating or preventing TFGBV and violent extremism is a key focus.
4. SDG 4: Quality Education – The article implies the need for awareness, education, and counter-narratives to prevent radicalization and promote gender equality online.

2. Specific Targets Under Identified SDGs

• SDG 5: Gender Equality
  • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
  • Target 5.3: Eliminate harmful practices, such as violence and discrimination against women and girls.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
  • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
  • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
  • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making.
  • Target 16.b: Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
  • Target 9.c: Increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries.
  • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade technological capabilities and foster innovation.
• SDG 4: Quality Education
  • Target 4.7: Ensure that all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including gender equality and human rights.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

• Prevalence and reporting rates of TFGBV and SGBV: For example, the article cites a survey where 38% of women reported personal experiences with online violence, and 85% witnessed online violence against other women.
• Number of violent incidents linked to TFGBV and SGBV: The article references cases such as the Dominique Pelicot case involving over 23,000 crimes facilitated by digital platforms.
• Exposure rates of youth to online violence and misogyny: Mentioned as up to 80% of youth and children worldwide having daily exposure to violence online.
• Rates of online radicalization acceleration: The article notes radicalization time has decreased from sixteen months to a few weeks, indicating an indicator of online extremism spread.
• Engagement metrics on digital platforms: Likes, shares, comments that amplify misogynistic and extremist content, which can be used as proxy indicators for harmful content proliferation.
• Accountability and responsiveness of digital platforms: Measured by actions such as content removal, implementation of gender mainstreaming in algorithms, and grievance mechanisms for TFGBV victims.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: gnet-research.org