Experts have reported a significant rise in online harassment and abuse directed at women and girls, exacerbated by the rise of AI technologies. Campaigners highlight how tools like chatbots have been misused to seek advice on harassment and stalking, while other technologies are utilized to manipulate images and assess women's personal lives in invasive ways. This trend has escalated the existing problem into what they describe as a 'turbo-charged epidemic' of gender-based online violence.

In light of these concerns, and coinciding with International Women's Day, advocates are calling for legislative changes to enhance the safety of women on digital platforms. The urgency is echoed by the ongoing UK government consultation, aiming to create safer online experiences, particularly for children. These experts emphasize that stronger regulation is needed not only for social media platforms but also to improve existing laws that currently fall short in protecting users from tech-enhanced abuse.

As authorities consider actions such as banning platforms that fail to comply with safety standards, the situation remains critical. In January, social media platform X (formerly Twitter) faced threats of a UK ban due to the misuse of its AI chatbot, which sparked further debates on the responsibilities of tech companies in preventing abusive behaviors online. The outcry reflects broader societal concerns about gender-based violence in the digital age and the need for immediate reforms to safeguard users.