Overview

• An international study led by the University of Warwick reveals widespread online abuse targeting marginalized young adults in Colombia, Ghana, Kenya, and Vietnam.
• Over three-quarters of participants reported harassment, blackmail, and violent threats, with abuse often escalating into physical violence, blackmail, and eviction.
• Barriers to accessing digital health services include high costs, stigma, surveillance fears, and restrictive gender norms, leaving many without critical support.
• Victims face limited recourse as authorities and tech platforms fail to act, with some reporting worsened outcomes after seeking help.
• The report calls on governments, the WHO, and tech companies to enforce digital rights, strengthen privacy protections, and regulate technology-facilitated abuse.