AU Urges Governments to Treat Online Abuse as a Peace and Security Concern

The African Union (AU) has called for stronger measures to protect women from technology-facilitated gender-based violence, warning that artificial intelligence (AI) is creating new ways to intimidate, discredit and silence women involved in peacebuilding and political processes.

The call was made during a dialogue titled “Digital Safety at the Peace Table: Addressing AI and Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence against Women in Peace and Security”. The event was convened by the African Union Commission’s Office of the Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security at the AU Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations in New York.

The dialogue took place during Women, Peace and Security Week 2026, which marks 26 years since the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325.

Deepfakes and Online Harassment Pose Growing Risks

The discussions focused on the growing use of online harassment, disinformation, manipulated images and videos, deepfakes and coordinated digital attacks against women.

According to the AU, these threats can damage reputations, undermine public confidence in women leaders and discourage their participation in political decision-making, mediation and peace processes. In conflict-affected areas, digital threats may also increase the risk of physical harm.

Participants stressed that technology-facilitated violence should not be treated merely as an online safety issue. It can weaken women’s leadership, disrupt peacebuilding networks and restrict their ability to participate meaningfully in public life.

Four Priority Areas for Action

The AU outlined several priorities to strengthen protection and accountability across the continent. These include integrating technology-facilitated gender-based violence and AI-related threats into national Women, Peace and Security action plans, improving early-warning and response systems, and ensuring survivor-centred accountability.

The organisation also called for greater participation of women in AI governance and innovation. It emphasised the importance of African-led solutions that reflect local needs and protect personal information.

A practical follow-up mechanism involving AU member states, regional organisations, the United Nations, civil society and technology-sector representatives was also proposed to help translate commitments into measurable action.

Protecting Women and Girls in the Digital Age

The dialogue also highlighted the risks faced by girls and children in digital spaces, including online grooming, exploitation and recruitment by armed groups. Participants called for responsible digital tools that can support conflict analysis, identify emerging threats and strengthen prevention efforts.

The AU said its approach builds on existing continental frameworks, including its Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy and instruments addressing cybersecurity, personal data protection and violence against women and girls.

The discussions underline a broader challenge for governments and international organisations: ensuring that technological progress does not become another means of exclusion, intimidation or violence.

The African Union’s appeal places digital safety more firmly within the wider Women, Peace and Security agenda, stressing that women’s participation in peace processes must be protected both offline and online.