What was once harassment is now being amplified by AI—turning digital spaces into dangerous ground for women journalists worldwide.
New York, May 1, 2026 — A new report has revealed a sharp rise in online violence against women journalists, with cases doubling since 2020 and AI making the abuse more sophisticated and harmful.
The study, released ahead of World Press Freedom Day, shows that tools like deepfakes and AI-generated content are increasingly being used to target women in media and public life.
UN Women warned that the trend is eroding rights and pushing many women into silence, with nearly 45% of women journalists now self-censoring online to avoid attacks.
The report also found growing psychological and professional impacts, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and in some cases, women leaving their jobs entirely due to sustained online abuse.
Despite rising cases, fewer than 40% of countries have laws protecting women from cyber harassment, leaving major gaps in accountability.
The agency is calling for stronger laws, better platform regulation, and urgent global action as digital abuse continues to escalate.
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