Digitally-Inflicted Struggles Surge Online: Navigating the Landscape of Cyberbullying and AI Manipulation
Digital Aggression Guidance Required: Beyond Hate Speech - Digital Aggression Call for Guidance: Addressing Cyberbullying and Other Forms of Online Intimidation
The Erfurt-based center combating online harassment and aggression, Elly, is witnessing escalating demands for assistance in dealing with various forms of digital aggression. As project head Berna Uluçay notes, while a formal monitoring system is absent, it's evident that the need for guidance in navigating these digital minefields is on the rise.
At present, the center mainly focuses on addressing digital intimidation but has yet to fully tackle other digital aggression facets. Uluçay suggests that an expansion of the center's concept to accommodate more staff and long-term funding would be beneficial, even though current resources are already stretched thin.
Victims of digital violence seek recourse at Elly. Uluçay cites instances such as a mother grappling with her daughter's explicit images circulating online, or cases involving cyberstalking, such as on Facebook or Instagram. Elly strives to provide assistance in these cases; however, instances of gender-based digital violence and AI manipulation still fall outside its primary focus.
AI-tainted Humiliation
Emerging manifestations of digital aggression include AI-generated images, or deepfakes. For example, women can find themselves unwittingly inserted into sexually explicit videos that are generated using artificial intelligence. Politicians from the Thuringian Left have voiced concerns about the burgeoning digital attacks, emphasizing the urgent need for escalated countermeasures in response to this crisis.
Last year, Elly offered consultations to 103 individuals in Erfurt, with many high-profile locals among their clients. In 33 cases, multiple consultations were necessary. The Elly center receives funding from the State Prevention Council, based at the Ministry of the Interior. Currently, a team of five is dedicated to the center's operations.
- Deepfake
- Digital Aggression
- Public Figures
- AI Technology
- Female Demographic
Deep Dive:
While specific Erfurt-centric initiatives addressing deepfake-driven digital violence, particularly targeting women, are scarce, there are broader discussions and research taking place across Germany:
- Deepfake Discourse: Germany has hosted events like "#6 ERROR - Macht der Bilder: Sexualisierte Gewalt durch Deepfakes" in Bremen, shedding light on the problematic use of deepfakes in perpetrating sexualized violence[1].
- AI & Society Research: The AI & Society Lab at the Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society conducts interdisciplinary research into AI's impact, including examining biases and digital society issues. Although not Erfurt-specific, this research could contribute to broader strategies aimed at countering deepfake-related violence[1].
- AI and Deepfake Training: Various AI and deepfake training programs are available in Germany, offering courses on AI, deepfakes, and voice cloning. By equipping individuals with knowledge about the technology underlying deepfakes, they could develop effective strategies to combat digital violence[3].
To better address the digital security challenges and the unique concerns of women, one might collaborate with local organizations concentrating on digital security and gender issues. The absence of detailed information suggests a potential need for more targeted initiatives or research in this area.
- The escalating demands for assistance in dealing with various forms of digital aggression, such as AI-generated images or deepfakes, have become a growing concern, particularly for women.
- The AI & Society Lab at the Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society is conducting research on the impact of AI, including examining biases and digital society issues, which could contribute to strategies aimed at countering deepfake-related violence.
- To effectively combat digital violence, particularly deepfake-driven digital violence targeting women, it would be beneficial to collaborate with local organizations focusing on digital security and gender issues, as there is a potential need for more targeted initiatives or research in this area.
