UN Warns of Growing Risk of AI-Facilitated Violence Against Women

The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women has warned that emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, can reinforce gender stereotypes and create new forms of violence against women and girls.

On Friday (23 October), the committee issued General Recommendation No. 41, calling on countries to take legal and practical measures to combat gender discrimination and violence against women.

According to the committee’s statement, serious concerns include the use of artificial intelligence to create sexual images and videos without consent, impersonation, sexual extortion and targeted attacks against women, particularly female political leaders and activists.

The committee called on governments to regulate artificial intelligence and digital platforms and require technology companies to establish effective mechanisms for reporting and swiftly removing abusive and discriminatory content.

The recommendation also stresses that gender stereotypes in the justice system, education, employment and healthcare can lead to discrimination against women and deprive them of fundamental rights.

The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women also said that wars, humanitarian crises and climate-related disasters can intensify gender-based violence and discrimination against women.

The committee called for women’s meaningful participation in crisis-related decision-making and for governments to be held accountable for gender discrimination and violence.