AI‑Driven Abuse Escalates Against Women Journalists, Report Finds

AI‑Driven Abuse Escalates Against Women Journalists, Report Finds
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A new global study published ahead of World Press Freedom Day reveals that artificial intelligence (AI) is intensifying online abuse against women journalists and media workers, making harassment more frequent, sophisticated and damaging.

The report — conducted by UN Women and partners and highlighted by Maktoob Media — found that reports of online violence against women journalists have doubled since 2020. AI‑enabled tactics such as deepfakes, non‑consensual sharing of intimate images and coordinated harassment are contributing to the rise, the study said.

Based on survey responses from 641 women journalists and media workers across 119 countries, the findings showed that 12% experienced non‑consensual intimate images being shared online, 6% were targeted with deepfake content, and one in three received unsolicited sexual advances.

The report also highlighted a significant surge in self‑censorship, with 45% of respondents saying harassment forced them to reduce their social media activity — a 50% increase over 2020 — and nearly 22% self‑censoring in their professional reporting. Experts warn that the psychological impact is serious, with nearly a quarter of women journalists reporting anxiety or depression linked to abuse and harassment.

UN Women’s campaign leaders characterize AI‑driven abuse as not only a threat to individual journalists’ safety but also to press freedom and democratic discourse, calling for stronger legal protections and urgent action from technology platforms and governments to address the growing crisis.