The utilisation of information technology in the nation is presently on the rise. Its benefits are, without a doubt, revolutionary. Nevertheless, its misuse is inflicting injury on individuals. One of these is the harassment of women and girls on the Internet. Despite variations in nature and severity, the vast majority of these incidents can be classified as sexual harassment. For instance, they are publishing offensive images or videos online. Alternatively, disclose confidential information, private words or images, etc. Undoubtedly, individuals with a deviant mindset are responsible for most incidents.
Further programmes are forthcoming. They are forcing physical relations, extorting money, or blackmailing through the disclosure of confidential information, images, and videos, among other things. Conversely, the termination of a romantic partnership, unauthorised access to one’s identification as a result of a personal or professional dispute, or the use of one’s name or image to transmit sexually harassing messages.
Adolescent females are subjected to persistent harassment through the fabrication of identification documents. The rate or prevalence of internet usage is on the rise, particularly among adolescents and women. Awareness of the Internet is not growing. Consequently, daily prevention of sexual harassment or abuse on the Internet is impossible.
How to trap?
Presently, internet usage has increased in both urban and rural regions. With mobile phones in the hands of every individual, the internet is now accessible. Since the coronavirus pandemic a few years ago, internet usage has multiplied significantly.
Courts, universities, offices, and schools are suspended. Home offices are established in the private and public sectors.
Additionally, academic institutions implement online classroom activities. At this moment, adolescents have smartphones. Using smartphones solely for educational purposes is not restricted to Not only does the coronavirus contribute to the rise in internet usage, but it also becomes increasingly necessary to stay informed to remain current. New opportunities for communication are consequently generated. There are romantic relationships established with peculiar individuals among these. They commenced exchanging intimate moments and photographs. Occasionally, they capture images while travelling. After the relationship deteriorates, the photographs are subsequently coerced.
This is not limited to romantic partnerships. Facebook considers every friend request an effort to acquire new users. They are as follows: Does it not matter in the virtual world which users have as friends and which do not? The formation of an intimate bond occurs within a few days. Because they believe they are close companions, they divulge every personal detail during an urgent conversation, for example. Notwithstanding my limited understanding of internet security, I naively fell in love and avoided our first meeting in person.
Engaging in sincere communication without sufficient knowledge of the other person and disclosing personal information, such as photographs, further exposes them to potential harm. Numerous instances of such pitfalls are illustrative.
What is data?
In an online survey conducted by the non-governmental organisation Law and Arbitration Centre (ASK), it was discovered that male acquaintances subject over 36 percent of females to sexual harassment. Moreover, 18 percent of girls are sexually abused by unknown adults, while over 27 percent are sexually abused by known adults and relatives.
A recent international survey reveals that over fifty-eight percent of female social media users have experienced some form of harassment. One in every five individuals reduced or eliminated their online presence to evade this harassment. A considerable number endure mental health issues, with a subset opting to end their lives by committing suicide. One in every three female victims of harassment disclosed the abuser’s identification, according to the survey. Typically, girls experience the most harassment when using Facebook. 39% of females experience harassment on social media platforms; this percentage is as follows: 23% on Facebook, 14% on Instagram, and 9% on Twitter. These findings were recently published by Plan International following interviews with 14,000 adolescents, young women, and women from 22 countries. Almost every country, from the United States to Kenya and India to Japan, presents a similar image. Online, girls are frequently targeted with comparable forms of harassment.
What to do?
It is commonly observed that young women and adolescents commit more errors. A belief in the identity of two days is simple to establish. They must initially be cautioned about this by their families. Regardless of the nature of the relationship, you should avoid disclosing personal information, photos, and videos when socialising with others. To meet, you cannot travel to an isolated location. Families can thus engage in open dialogue with their offspring regarding potential hazards. Additionally, from the government
The initiative must be displayed. Educational institutions should be leveraged to promote this by executing diverse awareness initiatives at the school-college level. Its implementation should be guaranteed at all levels, beginning with the village, through the participation of the local administration and government.
Legal Assistance ‘Help Desk’ for Combating Cyber Crime
An increasing number of cyber incidents are being reported daily. While some items are undergoing evaluation, others are diminishing. On November 16, 2022, 7,353 women filed complaints on the ‘Police Cyber Support for Women’ Facebook page, which the Bangladesh Police ran from January to mid-April of that year. Concerns regarding counterfeit identification cards comprised the most significant proportion, approximately 29 percent. Eleven thousand two hundred thirteen incoming inquiries and 263 received complaints have been routed through the hotline. Three thousand of them have been subject to action against 328 individuals. Information was requested from 3,694 individuals. The remaining 331 were subsequently engaged in conversation with
Seven categories comprise the police cyber support for women’s Facebook page’s received complaints. As an illustration, the assailant exploits a woman’s image, persona, or both to access illegitimate identification cards, utilise unique web addresses or applications, and steal credentials.
Identity theft, extortion, harassment on mobile devices, obscene texting and images, and threats of disseminating information, videos, or images obtained from the Internet based on a previous relationship, identity, or other factor
At this time, we maintain several help centres where victims of cyberbullying and online violence can seek legal assistance.
The Cybercrime Investigation Division of the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime Department, the Police Cyber Support for Women (PCSW), and the Cyber Police Centre are a few examples. Replies to RAB App 999 are acceptable, and grievances can be lodged on the respective Facebook pages. Girls feel more at ease filing complaints with PCSW because female police officers staff it.