As Tanzania gears up for elections, a concerning trend is emerging: the potential misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to fuel Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and stifle women's participation in the democratic process. Experts warn that unchecked digital innovation could have devastating consequences, eroding the foundations of fair elections and undermining women's rightful role in public life.

The Rise of AI-Fueled Disinformation

The rapid advancement of AI technologies, particularly generative AI platforms, has created new avenues for the creation and dissemination of disinformation. These tools can be used to generate convincing but fabricated content – including images, videos, and text – targeting women politicians, activists, and ordinary citizens. This fabricated content can be designed to damage reputations, spread false narratives, and incite violence.

“We’re seeing a worrying escalation in the use of AI to create deepfakes and spread misinformation, specifically aimed at silencing women's voices,” explains Dr. Amina Juma, a researcher specializing in digital rights. “The speed and scale at which this content can be produced and shared online is unprecedented, making it incredibly difficult to combat.”

Impact on Electoral Integrity

The potential impact on electoral integrity is significant. AI-generated disinformation can sway public opinion, discourage voters, and even incite violence around polling stations. Women candidates, who often face additional barriers to entry in politics, are particularly vulnerable to these attacks. The psychological toll of being targeted by online abuse can be debilitating, leading to self-censorship and withdrawal from public life.

Gender-Based Violence Amplified Online

Beyond electoral interference, AI is also being used to amplify existing forms of GBV. Online harassment, threats, and doxxing (sharing personal information) are becoming increasingly common, often fueled by anonymity and facilitated by AI-powered bots. This creates a hostile online environment that discourages women from engaging in online discussions and expressing their opinions freely.

The Need for Urgent Action

Addressing this growing threat requires a multi-faceted approach. Key steps include:

• Strengthening digital literacy: Equipping citizens with the skills to critically evaluate online information and identify disinformation.
• Promoting responsible AI development: Encouraging developers to incorporate ethical considerations into AI algorithms and mitigate the risk of misuse.
• Enhancing legal frameworks: Updating laws to address online harassment and disinformation, while protecting freedom of expression.
• Collaboration between stakeholders: Fostering partnerships between government, civil society organizations, tech companies, and media outlets to combat AI-fueled GBV and protect electoral integrity.
• Supporting women’s digital safety: Providing resources and training to help women protect themselves online and report incidents of abuse.

Protecting Democracy and Empowering Women

As Tanzania approaches its elections, it is crucial to address the potential risks posed by AI-fueled GBV. Failing to do so could have profound consequences for democracy and women's rights. By taking proactive measures to mitigate these risks, Tanzania can ensure a free, fair, and inclusive electoral process – one where women’s voices are heard and their contributions are valued.