Digital Violence: The Rise of Online Gender-Based Violence Against Women in the Age of Social Media

The proliferation of social media has transformed global communication, yet it has also facilitated unprecedented forms of violence against women. This paper investigates the phenomenon of online gender-based violence (GBV) in India, focusing on its manifestations, legal challenges, and sociocultural roots. With 85% of Indian women reporting online harassment in 2022, digital violence—ranging from cyberstalking to non-consensual pornography—has emerged as a critical threat to gender equality. The study employs a mixed-method approach, analyzing case laws, statutory frameworks, and sociocultural narratives to expose systemic gaps in addressing online GBV. Key findings reveal that India’s legal architecture, including the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Indian Penal Code, remains fragmented and poorly enforced. Landmark cases such as Ritu Kohli v. Unknown (2001) and the Bois Locker Room incident (2020) underscore the normalization of digital misogyny and the inadequacy of victim support systems. Sociocultural factors, including patriarchal norms and digital illiteracy, further entrench impunity for perpetrators. The paper advocates for a tripartite solution: (1) legal reforms to criminalize emerging forms of digital violence, (2) nationwide digital literacy campaigns to empower women, and (3) algorithmic accountability for social media platforms. It concludes with a proposed Digital Safety Act, 2024, a model legislation designed to harmonize penalties, protect victims, and mandate proactive measures for intermediaries. By bridging legal, technological, and social gaps, this research contributes to global discourse on safeguarding women’s rights in digital spaces.