Latest data on online gender-based violence in the Philippines

The Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA) has published the latest data on online gender-based violence (OGBV) in the Philippines, based on the Take Back the Tech mapping tool. Between 1 January and 23 June 2020, the platform recorded 64 OGBV reports. This shows a 30% increase of OGBV since 2019.

Among the top technology-related abuses are the unauthorised use of photo and video material, violent threats and blackmail, and abusive comments, followed by deletion and manipulation of personal data, monitoring and tracking, repeated harassment, sharing and/or dissemination of private information, and unauthorised access of private data.

Mobile phones are predominantly used for OGBV, followed by Facebook, Messenger, and Telegram. Most women who experience online violence are between 18-30 years old. Four out of every ten are under the age of 18. Perpetrators are mostly strangers. Data shows that during online protests, many fake accounts were made from which the threatening messages were sent. Rape threats were sent to women activists.