Digital Injustice: Human Rights and the Growing Threat of Online Gender-Based Violence

Online gender-based violence (OGBV) is a growing issue in today’s digital world, involving cyberstalking, doxxing, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, online harassment, and hate campaigns. Women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and marginalised communities are disproportionately affected, facing violations of their rights to privacy, expression, and security. These abuses reinforce gender inequality and silence already vulnerable voices. Despite its severe consequences—such as trauma and isolation—legal frameworks lag behind. International protections like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and CEDAW do not adequately address digital violence, and national laws on cybercrime are often fragmented and poorly enforced. Online platforms, though central to modern communication, are often not held accountable for the abuse of their services. This paper examines the nature of OGBV, its human rights implications, and the shortcomings of current laws and regulations. It also looks at the role of digital platforms in either fostering or mitigating abuse and offers recommendations for legal reforms, greater platform accountability, and digital literacy initiatives. Addressing OGBV requires coordinated efforts from governments, platforms, and civil society to protect vulnerable groups.