This does not mean that we should prevent the use of digital technologies and their tools, because we cannot and should
not neglect the role and importance of technology as a driver of positive change around the world. However, a lack of awareness in the areas of its use can make it a tool for control and harming others through the misuse of power, discrimination,
bias, as well as bullying and marginalization. We believe, as part of our social responsibility, that understanding technological
capabilities and aligning them with legal frameworks, and providing clear and accessible protection for victims, is an important and essential part of our national duty first, and our humanitarian duty second. We are concerned with understanding
information communication technology—its history and capabilities—as well as aligning its rapid progress with laws.
Digital Violence as a Tool for
Control;
The Need for a Law to Combat it Protection
We also highlight violence as censorship and control tool against many individuals, especially women, in Lebanon and in the
digital space. This includes physical, sexual, and psychological violence, as well as online violence such as harassment, cyberbullying, which forces many women to impose self-censorship or withdrawal from public platforms. This negatively impacts
their participation in public discussions, limits their freedom of expression, and undermines their opportunities for education, employment, and political participation.
Studies indicate a worrying rise in online "sextortion" complaints in Lebanon (increased by 307% in 2020 ), emphasizing the
urgent need for a public policy framework that contributes to protecting internet users, especially women and girls, from
digital violence. This includes providing clear preventive mechanisms and outlining an effective regulatory path to address
these crimes, identify stakeholders and ensures their engagement in finding sustainable solutions. This research emphasizes
the importance of addressing gender-based control in all its forms, which constitutes a violation of human rights and a threat
to the full effective participation of women in society.
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16 https://globalvoices.org/2021/03/10/online-rape-threats-connect-lebanese-activist-to-thousands-of-other-women-facing-abuse/
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