Encouragement of digital aggression: instructions on committing cyber-harm

Navigating the Digital Frontier: Combating Digital Violence Beyond Hate Speech

Digital Aggression Beyond Insults: The Importance of Counseling for Cyberbullying and Online Harassment - Encouragement of digital aggression: instructions on committing cyber-harm

If you've found yourself entangled in the murky waters of digital violence, don't lose hope. Elly, the Thuringian counseling center against hate speech and harassment, is witnessing an alarming surge in demand for help. "Though we don't deploy a comprehensive surveillance system, it's plain as day that the demand for counseling in this area is escalating," said Berna Uluçay, the project leader.

While Elly mainly tackles digital harassment, there's a clear desire to extend its reach to encompass other forms of digital violence. An expansion, however, calls for additional resources: more manpower and long-term funding.

But even now, Elly stands ready to help. Uluçay mentioned a mother forced to confront an unthinkable situation - her daughter's explicit images spreading like wildfire online. Or, perhaps a victim of stalking, relentlessly pursued through social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. Elly offers them a lifeline. "Still, gender-based digital violence and the use of AI aren't our primary foci," Uluçay admits.

Enter the age of deepfakes. With AI-manipulated images becoming increasingly common, digital domination takes on a sinister edge. Deepfakes - typically inserting pictures of women into sexually explicit videos without consent - represent a new dimension in the attacks waged online.

Last year, Elly offered guidance to 103 Thuringian residents, including numerous politicians. Some cases demanded repeated sessions. Funded by the State Prevention Council, stationed at the Ministry of the Interior, Elly employs a team of five.

Despite the pressing need for resources dedicated to overcoming deepfakes, various existing initiatives can still offer valuable support.

Embracing a Holistic Approach

Across Europe, initiatives are springing up to tackle digital violence and hate speech, with many relevant to Thuringia's context.

• Digital Safety Regulations:Organizations like the European Union’s Digital Services Act work to regulate digital content, possibly paving the way for hate speech and deepfakes regulation.
• Government-Supported Projects:The German Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ) frequently supports projects related to digital safety and the fight against violence against women.
• Women’s Counseling Centers:Centers like Germany's Frauenberatungsstellen provide support for women exposed to violence or harassment, though they may not yet specialize in deepfakes.
• Support for Victims of Crime:The Weisser Ring (White Ring) offers assistance to victims of crime, including those grappling with digital violence.
• Digital Literacy Programs:Educational courses boosting digital literacy can help individuals recognize and combat digital threats, such as deepfakes.
• Legal Guidance:Legal aid services in Germany can help those affected by digital violence, including deepfakes, navigate complex legal obstacles.
• Research and Policy Development:Academic institutions and research centers focus on digital violence and hate speech, shaping future policy and enhancing our understanding of deepfakes.

Navigating Digital Threats

As the landscape of digital violence morphs, deeper attention is brought to bear on combating deepfakes. While specialized resources may still be limited, fostering awareness and offering guidance can prove invaluable in the interim.

Seeking Assistance

• Contact Local Authorities:Refuge in the local police or social services can provide immediate relief.
• Women’s Organizations:Reach out to groups focused on women's rights and safety for specialized aid.
• Online Resources:Platforms offering guidance on digital safety can be an invaluable resource in your battle against digital threats.

1. To combat the growing issue of deepfakes, which often target women without their consent, additional resources are needed in community policy, such as long-term funding and more manpower.
2. As the digital landscape evolves, it's crucial to embrace a holistic approach that includes projects like the European Union’s Digital Services Act, which work to regulate digital content, and digital literacy programs that boost individual awareness of digital threats.
3. In the fight against digital violence, it's important to remember that organizations like Frauenberatungsstellen in Germany provide support for women exposed to violence or harassment, even if they don't yet specialize in deepfakes.

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