The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in South-East Asia poses significant challenges to women’s security, as gender biases in widely used AI systems hinder the positive utilization of AI in the context of peace and security. Research conducted by UN Women and the United Nations University Institute in Macau (UNU Macau) sheds light on the risks faced by women human rights defenders (WHRDs) and women’s Civil Society Organisations (WCSOs) in the region, particularly in relation to cyber threats and attacks. This article delves into the key findings of the research and explores the implications of AI adoption on the women, peace, and security (WPS) agenda in South-East Asia.
The report “Artificial Intelligence and the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda in South-East Asia” identifies four types of gender biases prevalent in AI systems: discrimination, stereotyping, exclusion, and insecurity. These biases impede the full realization of the benefits of AI technologies in promoting gender-responsive peace and enhancing women’s agency in peacebuilding efforts. While AI has the potential to enhance inclusivity, conflict prevention, and the monitoring of human rights violations, the unequal application of AI technologies across genders exacerbates existing disparities. The report also underscores the risks associated with the militarization of AI, emphasizing the need for gender-responsive approaches to the development and deployment of AI tools.
The second report, “Cybersecurity Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Resilience among Women Human Rights Defenders and Civil Society in South-East Asia,” delves into the cybersecurity risks faced by WHRDs and WCSOs in the region. The research highlights the gendered nature of cyber threats, with women’s rights advocates being specifically targeted for their work, often experiencing misogynistic and sexualized harassment online. The growing reliance on digital technologies by WCSOs and WHRDs exposes them to a range of cybersecurity risks, including online harassment, trolling, and doxxing. These threats not only disrupt their work but also undermine women’s voices and perpetuate marginalization in the digital space.
Efforts to address cybersecurity risks and vulnerabilities faced by women in South-East Asia require a human-centric approach that prioritizes the protection of human and digital rights. Recommendations from the research emphasize the importance of inclusive cybersecurity policy development, collaborative engagement among stakeholders, and the building of capacity to prevent and respond to cyberattacks effectively. The disproportionate impact of cyber threats on WCSOs and WHRDs underscores the need for tailored strategies to safeguard at-risk individuals and organizations operating in politically volatile and crisis-affected contexts. By fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing in cybersecurity practices, stakeholders can work towards creating a safer and more inclusive digital environment for women advocates in the region.
The challenges posed by AI adoption and cybersecurity threats underscore the importance of gender-inclusive approaches to technology governance in South-East Asia. By addressing gender biases in AI systems, promoting cyber-resilience among women advocates, and enhancing digital security measures, countries in the region can harness the transformative potential of AI while safeguarding the rights and security of women. The research conducted by UN Women and UNU Macau serves as a critical contribution to the global discourse on ethics and norms in AI and digital governance, paving the way for more inclusive and equitable technological advancements in the future.
Leave a Reply