The Responsibility of Content Creators and Online Activists Fighting TFGBV in the Digital Age

The rapid expansion of digital technology has created unprecedented opportunities for freedom of expression, access to information, social connectivity, and creative engagement.

Digital content creators at the district and Upazila (sub-district) levels are now playing an increasingly influential role in shaping public opinion, disseminating information, raising social awareness, and highlighting local realities. Their presence across platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram continues to grow, as does their influence among local communities.

However, alongside the expansion of digital spaces, Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) has emerged as a serious and evolving challenge. Online harassment, cyberbullying, doxxing, identity theft, unauthorized disclosure of personal information and images, blackmail, dissemination of false and misleading content, deepfakes, and misogynistic online campaigns have become major threats to digital safety. Women and girls, women journalists, human rights defenders, female politicians, content creators, and members of marginalized communities are among those most frequently targeted.

Digital content creators at the district and sub-district levels have become powerful communication actors with direct access to local audiences. Their content spreads rapidly, resonates within local linguistic and cultural contexts, and often reaches populations beyond the scope of traditional media. Consequently, these creators can play a pivotal role in raising awareness about TFGBV, countering misinformation, promoting safe digital practices, and fostering victim-sensitive attitudes.

Yet, in practice, many content creators lack adequate knowledge of TFGBV, its risks, legal implications, digital security considerations, information verification processes, and gender-sensitive content production. As a result, harmful language, victim-blaming narratives, privacy violations, unverified information, and sensationalized reporting can unintentionally contribute to the perpetuation of digital violence. At the same time, there remains a significant shortage of positive and awareness-raising content on these issues, particularly at the local level.

Against this backdrop, awareness workshops for district-based digital content creators represent a timely and necessary intervention. Through these workshops, participants gain practical knowledge about the nature of TFGBV, its risks and impacts, responsible content creation, fact-checking, online safety, and the development of positive advocacy-oriented messages. Such initiatives strengthen the engagement of local content creators in building a safer, more respectful, and inclusive digital environment.

The primary objective is to enhance the capacity of district- and Upazila-level digital content creators so they can effectively help prevent TFGBV, promote awareness, produce responsible digital content, and advance safe and inclusive digital development.

Strengthening Knowledge and Awareness on TFGBV, the initiative seeks to provide digital content creators with a clear understanding of the nature, forms, risks, impacts, prevention, and response mechanisms related to TFGBV. Building Capacity for Gender-Sensitive and Responsible Content Creation. Participants are equipped with the skills necessary to ensure that their content respects the dignity, privacy, humanity, and rights of survivors while maintaining a gender-sensitive approach.

In addition to enhancing Digital Security and Information Verification Skills, the workshops strengthen participants' practical competencies in digital security, online risk management, misinformation detection, fact-checking, and responsible digital publishing. Promoting Positive Social Messaging and Preventive Campaigns. Content creators are encouraged to produce impactful awareness content promoting the prevention of TFGBV, safe online behavior, respectful digital communication, and the protection of marginalized groups.

Strengthening Local Networks and Collaborative Action: The initiative fosters dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among digital content creators, media professionals, civil society organizations, technology experts, law enforcement agencies, and other relevant stakeholders. Participants are encouraged to leverage their platforms and followers to amplify messages that combat TFGBV and promote safer digital spaces.

Under the initiative and management of the BNNRC, district-based awareness workshops were organized in Mymensingh, Kushtia, Barishal, and Patuakhali as part of a broader program covering six districts. Local digital content creators, YouTubers, and social media influencers participated in these interactive sessions. In addition to theoretical presentations, participants engaged in discussions focused on local realities and developed strategies and action plans to produce responsible, awareness-raising digital content.

Bangladesh currently stands at a critical juncture in its digital transformation journey. Alongside remarkable progress, the country is witnessing a rise in Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence. Rapid advances in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and growing demand for digital public services have made this issue increasingly urgent and relevant. Digital transformation is no longer optional; it is a cornerstone of sustainable development. Through digital initiatives, Bangladesh is strengthening governance systems, improving service delivery, enhancing transparency, and accelerating economic growth. Numerous digital innovations are already contributing positively to public service accessibility and economic dynamism.

ICT has become a powerful tool for strengthening governance. The expansion of e-governance has increased accountability in public service delivery while enabling citizens to access services more efficiently and transparently. Digital platforms have also enhanced citizen participation in policymaking, decision-making, and service provision. Technology-driven solutions have revolutionized service delivery. Through online services, mobile applications, and digital help desks, citizens can now access a wide range of public and private services from home, reducing time and costs while improving overall quality of life.

According to the latest district-level ICT Usage Measurement Survey conducted by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) for July-September 2025, computer usage stands at 9.1 percent, internet usage at 56.2 percent, mobile phone usage at 98.9 percent, smartphone usage at 72.4 percent, fixed telephone usage at 0.8 percent, radio usage at 15.1 percent, television ownership at 58.9 percent, and electricity access at 98.9 percent.

As technological advancement continues, so too does its misuse. Technology-facilitated gender-based violence is increasing, affecting individuals from all walks of life, with women disproportionately impacted. According to a December 2024 report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), two out of every three women worldwide experience online violence at least once in their lifetime. In Bangladesh, nearly 89 percent of women and girls have encountered some form of online violence. Vulnerability begins as early as ages 9-14, while women aged 18-30 face the highest risk. Approximately 75 percent of victims never disclose these incidents to their families and do not pursue legal remedies.

According to the 2024 report of Police Cyber Support for Women (PCSW), one of the Government of Bangladesh's most effective initiatives in addressing TFGBV, more than 60,000 complaints have been filed. Of these, 41 percent involved doxxing, 18 percent Facebook account hacking, 17 percent blackmail, 9 percent impersonation, and 8 percent cyberbullying. The Violence Against Women Survey 2024, jointly conducted by UNFPA and BBS, paints a concerning picture of digital safety for women in Bangladesh. Young women face the greatest risk. The prevalence of TFGBV is highest among women aged 20-24 at 16 percent, followed by women aged 25-29 at 13.3 percent, and girls aged 15–19 at 11.9 percent. Although younger women are particularly vulnerable, the problem extends across age groups, with 1.4 percent of women aged 60 and above also reporting experiences of technology-facilitated violence.

The survey further reveals that higher educational attainment is associated with greater exposure to TFGBV. Among women with a bachelor's degree or higher, the prevalence rate is 18.8 percent; among Higher Secondary Certificate graduates, 16.7 percent; and among Secondary School Certificate graduates, 12.8 percent. Women who are married but living separately from their husbands face the highest risk, with a prevalence rate of 19.8 percent.

One of the most significant findings is that technology-facilitated violence affects not only active technology users. Even among women who do not use electronic devices, 3.4 percent reported experiencing some form of TFGBV. This underscores the reality that technology-facilitated violence extends beyond online spaces and can threaten the privacy, dignity, and security of women regardless of their level of digital engagement.

Such violence discourages women's participation in digital spaces and negatively impacts economic development, education, leadership opportunities, and freedom of expression. A nation cannot fully realize its development aspirations while half its population remains unsafe online. Therefore, increasing public awareness of TFGBV and strengthening the roles of government agencies, private-sector organizations, technology companies, civil society organizations, law enforcement agencies, elected representatives, policymakers, and the media are essential to creating a safer digital environment for all, especially rural women.

TFGBV refers to acts of violence, harassment, threats, surveillance, humiliation, exploitation, or harmful behavior committed against individuals, particularly women and girls, through the use of information and communication technologies, digital platforms, or other technological means. Such violence may be partially or entirely technology-enabled and may be perpetrated by one or multiple actors. A defining feature of TFGBV is that it is not limited to online spaces. It can occur through social media platforms, messaging applications, mobile phones, GPS tracking devices, recording equipment, and other technologies. As such, TFGBV is not merely a technological issue but a multidimensional manifestation of gender inequality, power imbalances, and digital insecurity.

In response, the Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) is implementing the project titled “Strengthening Resilience Against Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) and Promoting Digital Development.” The project is being implemented under the Nagorikata: Civic Engagement Fund (CEF), with financial support from the Embassy of Switzerland, Global Affairs Canada, and the European Union, and technical assistance from GFA Consulting Group.

The project seeks to engage community radio stations and grassroots actors across districts to promote awareness, strengthen capacities, support survivors, and enhance multi-stakeholder partnerships. At its core, the initiative aims to raise public awareness about TFGBV, strengthen local response mechanisms, and improve coordination among relevant stakeholders.

Civil society organizations play a crucial role in raising awareness, identifying vulnerable populations, providing initial support and referrals, facilitating social dialogue, and bringing local realities into policy discussions. However, their capacity in areas such as understanding TFGBV, prevention strategies, legal remedies, digital evidence preservation, and referral pathways require further strengthening.

The district-based workshops aim to enhance conceptual understanding, institutional preparedness, and the effective engagement of content creators in addressing TFGBV. One of the major challenges at the local level is the limited public understanding of TFGBV, its various forms, and the available reporting and support mechanisms. As a result, many survivors remain outside formal response systems, allowing violence to persist unnoticed and underreported.

Although Bangladesh has several relevant laws, including the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act (2000), the Pornography Control Act (2012), and the recently enacted Cyber Security Act (2026), significant gaps remain. Enforcement is often inconsistent, legal procedures can be lengthy and complex, and many survivors remain unaware of their rights. Furthermore, the rapid evolution of technology, particularly AI-enabled forms of abuse, has outpaced existing legal frameworks.

Encouragingly, some positive political commitments have emerged. In its 2026 election manifesto, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) pledged stronger measures against online gender-based violence, enhanced awareness initiatives, and improved legal protections. The manifesto also emphasizes the expansion of the ICT sector, employment generation in emerging technologies, and workforce preparation for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

However, these commitments must be translated into meaningful action. Addressing TFGBV requires more than policy statements; it demands sustained investment, effective coordination, and strong accountability mechanisms. While the challenges are significant, so too are the opportunities. The same digital technologies that can be used to inflict harm can also amplify voices, build solidarity, and advance justice.

The path forward is clear. What is needed now is the collective will to act. In the face of this growing and evolving threat, media organizations, content creators, and digital activists cannot remain mere observers. They must lead with courage, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to human rights. Only then can we build a digital society that is not only connected, but also safe, inclusive, and equitable for all.

Source: Hiren Pandit a Columnist and Researcher

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