'Virtual rape': AI and deepfakes are silencing women in public life, UN report

UN Women and partners surveyed women in public-facing roles across 119 countries and found a sharp rise in AI-enabled abuse, including deepfakes, unwanted sexual images, and coordinated harassment.

The report says this kind of sexualized online violence is pushing many women to self-censor and step back from public debate.

It highlights weak police responses and major gaps in regulation, while calling out Big Tech’s role in enabling the abuse.

The findings show AI is increasingly being used to intimidate women and restrict their participation in public life.