WHILE artificial intelligence (AI) is bringing positive advancements in every field, it is also impacting the lives of people, especially women, teenagers and minors, negatively. Statistics related to online harassment are crucial for understanding the seriousness of the issue. Many women are growing their businesses by using AI, but many more are becoming victims of online harassment through AI tools.

The Digital Rights Foundation (DRF) released its 2025 annual report on its digital security helpline which received 3,012 cases in 2025, of which 2,586 were specifically about cyber harassment. Since 2016 when the helpline was launched, 23,032 complaints have been filed.

Cases about minors aged 6-9 years rose by 51 per cent in 2024 and further 28pc in 2025, including digital exploitation, sexual abuse and online grooming. Complaints about young adults were 51.3pc. Women reported more cases than men. Cases reported by women were related to sexual abuse whereas complaints reported by men were mostly about financial fraud.

Majority of these cases (69.5pc) were reported in Punjab probably because of its population size and, indeed, awareness about reporting such issues.

In most cases, victims do not tell about harassment to their own family and friends because of social taboos. They suffer in silence. We need to normalise discussions about online harassment. We should give victims the confidence to share their feelings. Awareness is the key. We must spread information about how to tackle harassment.

Finally, providing step-by-step guidance is essential for educating victims about how to handle such situations prudently. We should demand strict punishments with severe penalties for cyber criminals.

Jawria Rafique
Gujrat

Published in Dawn, June 22nd, 2026