Examining the Spectrum of Digital Violence Against Social Activists

In conflict-affected settings, activists use Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to attract international attention to their cause and stay informed about events. However, digital violence is a growing global concern. Perpetrators are often anonymous, making effective recourse difficult, and legal frameworks are often inadequate.

Drawing on case studies of activists in Cameroon, Colombia, and Myanmar, authors Laura Gianna Guntrum and Christian Reuter (1) outline the challenges posed by increasing digital violence against activists and (2) identify how policymakers around the world might respond to this issue.

The policy brief can be downloaded here.

Laura Gianna Guntrum and Christian Reuter work in the Research Area Forms: 1.2 New Forms of Political Violence and Technological Change.