Justice Surya Kant Warns of Ills of Digital Abuse of Women Journalists
New Delhi: Justice Surya Kant, who is to be the next Chief Justice of India, highlighted online violence against women journalists in an address on November 8.
Speaking at the 31st anniversary of the Indian Women's Press Corps (IWPC), Justice Kant said women journalists are transforming the media landscape through their persistent and impartial reporting – something that has brought about tangible social changes.
"Across India and globally, women are transforming journalism's landscape by pioneering local reporting teams that document social injustice, gender violence and policy gaps. Their persistent, impartial journalism, coupled with their engagement with local authorities, has led to tangible change, from improved infrastructure to greater legal transparency," Justice Kant said, according to PTI.
"When women cover stories on politics, health, education, and social reforms, their journalism reflects the intricate complexities of our society and fosters the democratic participation necessary for true progress,” he also said.
The judge held that the particular weaponisation of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) has created “unique vulnerabilities” for women journalists, who are often targeted and trolled, LiveLaw has furthered reported.
“Perpetrators misuse private data, fabricate incriminating content, 'troll' incessantly, and manipulate images for psychological and professional harm. These perpetrators, instead of engaging with their actual work or the opinions expressed by women journalists, utilize these methods of 'online violence' to belittle, induce fear, and discredit them professionally."
Justice Kant called this form of digital abuse an infringement of press freedom.
“This digital abuse not only undermines the confidence and security of women journalists but also threatens press freedom by stifling the diversity and nuance of public discourse. It is essential that our media organisations and governing bodies develop strong protocols and industry-wide regulations that specifically protect women journalists as well as victims of false narratives."
The judge also called for the inclusion of women at every level of newsroom decision-making, in reporting, editing, policy-setting, technology adoption, regulatory oversight, and ethical reform.
He also said it was a time of “unsocial media.”
“Mutual support, open dialogue, and a shared vision are our best defences against the perils of unrestricted AI. By holding institutions and individuals accountable and refusing to lower ethical standards, we secure the foundation of true journalism and the health of our democracy.”
The judge also cautioned against the use of deepfake technology and doctored images, and stressed on how they cause reputational damage, loss of credibility, and social ostracism. "Often, the manipulated content persists online indefinitely, long after the story has retreated from the news cycle, making the damage permanent and devastating,” he said.
He added that "we cannot afford to normalise or tolerate such happenings as an inevitable consequence of online discourse.”
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