A new report released ahead of World Press Freedom Day reveals a sharp rise in online violence targeting women journalists since 2020, raising serious concerns about their health and well-being.
The study, conducted by UN Women and its partners, shows that digital abuse has become more advanced, intrusive, and harmful with the growth of artificial intelligence (AI). Attackers now use sophisticated tools, making harassment more difficult to detect and prevent.
Survey data highlights a worrying trend: 12% of respondents said someone had shared their personal or intimate images without consent, while 6% reported being targeted by deepfake content or manipulated visuals. These forms of abuse, once uncommon, now play a major role in online harassment.
Kalliopi Mingerou, who leads efforts to combat violence against women at UN Women, warned that AI-driven abuse is accelerating harm and undermining progress on women’s rights. She also pointed to a broader environment shaped by rising misogyny and weakening democratic protections.
The report, titled “Tipping Point: Online Violence Impacts, Manifestations and Redress in the AI Age,” draws on responses from 641 participants across 119 countries in 2025.
Women journalists, in particular, report increasing pressure to limit their voices. In 2020, about 30% said they self-censored due to online abuse. By 2025, that figure rose to 45%, showing a significant increase and highlighting the growing impact on freedom of expression.
