Women in the Pacific are increasingly subject to digital abuse: new research

2026-03-29 · Source: Artificial intelligence (AI) – The Conversation · Field: Science & Research — Social Sciences & Behavioral Studies, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Cybersecurity & Data Privacy · Depth: Intermediate, long

Summary

A recent study, published in "Violence Against Women," surveyed 19 practitioners and interviewed five across nine Pacific Island nations to investigate technology-facilitated gender-based violence. The research found that smartphones, Facebook, and AI-generated sexualized deepfakes are commonly used to control and harm women and girls. Abusive behaviors include controlling device access, non-consensual sharing or threats to share intimate images, location monitoring, and creating deepfakes for extortion. A unique challenge in the Pacific is the "shared-device problem," where families often share a single phone, complicating standard digital safety advice. Practitioners also reported significant barriers to supporting victim-survivors, such as cultural norms, sexual taboos, and inadequate police response, with 37% citing poor case handling by authorities.

Key takeaway

For policymakers and support organizations addressing gender-based violence in the Pacific, your strategies must integrate local cultural contexts and address specific technological challenges like shared devices. Prioritize funding for practitioner and police training on technology-facilitated abuse, and develop culturally sensitive community education initiatives. Engaging religious and faith-based organizations can also be crucial for effective prevention and response efforts.

Key insights

Technology-facilitated gender-based violence is prevalent in the Pacific, exacerbated by unique cultural and technological contexts.

Principles

• Cultural context shapes technology abuse.
• Shared devices complicate digital safety.
• AI deepfakes are an emerging threat.

Method

The study surveyed 19 and interviewed five victim-survivor support practitioners from nine Pacific Island nations, asking about technology abuse methods and support challenges.

In practice

• Fund practitioner and police training.
• Develop culturally-sensitive education.
• Engage faith-based organizations.

Topics

• Technology-Facilitated Abuse
• Gender-Based Violence
• Pacific Islands
• AI Deepfakes
• Image-Based Sexual Abuse

Best for: AI Ethicist, Policy Maker, Domain Expert

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Artificial intelligence (AI) – The Conversation.