This is how Egypt can address cyber violence

Earlier this year, Bassant Khaled’s death made headlines across Egypt and even internationally. Pieces of her story were widely shared across social media before the whole picture came to light. A young man had blackmailed her with faked photos of her after she rejected his advances.  She died by suicide not long after, and left a note assuring her familiar the photos were doctored. She was soon proven to be telling the truth, further prompting public calls for justice.

Fortunately, the government acted swiftly. The blackmailer was condemned. Social media users largely rallied in support of the victim.

However, some critics of the perpetrator did lose sight of the main issue which was not just that the photos were faked, but that they even held so much power in the first place. That coupled with perpetrators that still feel confident they will go unpunished.

Bassant’s death was not an isolated incident.

In fact, cyber-violence in Egypt is so rife that bloggers and online activists have taken matters into their own hands.

But to first understand the changes activists are attempting, we need to first look at the social and cultural factors behind the epidemic.

 Prevalence and culture

Egyptian online users report experiencing online harassment regularly.

A 2020 study by the Egyptian Journal of Forensic Studies noted the frequency in which this occurs.

Of the 356 participants, “results revealed that 41.6 per cent of the participating females reported exposure to cyber violence during the last year and 45.3% of the victims experienced cyber violence multiple times.”

Purity culture dictates that women and girls’ perceived virtue can make or break their reputations. Victims often hesitate to report any sexual crimes or incidents. Backlash from family, friends and neighborhoods is a deterrent.

Victim-blaming is a common reaction to shared stories. “Did you encourage them?” or “Why didn’t you speak earlier?” linger at the back of women’s minds. While at the other end of the spectrum, people question if it’s really harassment or violence when it’s being inflicted virtually.

Cyber-harassment addressed

Another issue is the lack of awareness of existing resources and general distrust of government services.

In recent years, more official action has been taken to combat cyber harassment and violence.

When new laws were initially put in place, campaigns swept across social media. But the spark soon fizzled out.  Now many still don’t know of services such as the hotline 108, which is specifically for reports of cyber violence and operates 24/7.

Along with scholarly studies on cyber violence, citizens have also attempted to trace how online harassment is viewed and handled.

As part of a project, one survey conducted by American University in Cairo (AUC) students noted that of the 613 users surveyed “72.4 per cent of the respondents said they feel as though they’ve been harassed online before only 20.4 per cent are aware of the laws on online harassment in Egypt.”

A 2022 study by the Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology found that of 324 women who experienced harassment “just 4.36 per cent reported to the authorities.”

Then there’s the instances of victims seeking support for assault and facing a different form of cyber harassment.

Social media comment sections often offer unfiltered criticisms of female victims sharing their stories. This comes in the form of misogynistic name-calling and even threats.

Consequences

Law No.175 of 2018 was ratified to address cybercrimes including violence, but it has been criticised by some for “vagueness” and for its potential use in targeting victims as well. The law is often mentioned alongside the country’s recent morality campaigns which frequently cite “family values”.

Some have called for clarification on the term to help set women’s minds at ease in fear that women’s struggle may otherwise be minimised or even demonised.

This may be partly why many users have turned to online independent accounts such as Cat Calls of Cairo and Assault Police.

Through these pages, users can scroll through Instagram posts and stories detailing harassment experiences.

Users anonymously send in narrative accounts of gender-based violence. Sexploitation and blackmail are common themes with perpetrators being both strangers and friends. Scenes of crime include everyday places like schools, workplaces, and even homes.

The pages have become safe spaces that express solidarity for women and girls all over Egypt.

More work needs to be done to spread awareness of existing legal services available for women and girls. But more importantly, they need to be easily accessible and showcase a transparent, positive track record.

Among the public, there is also still some confusion about just where to report the violence. The government has set up specific offices to handle cybercrime cases. One of these includes a main Cairo office located in the area of Abassiya. It is chiefly concerned with internet investigation. Increased awareness campaigns on official services can ensure people don’t get the wrong information from well-meaning citizens instead.

Most importantly, sexual violence occurring online should not be brushed aside. Psychological and physical effects mark the end of many of these stories. Ignoring online actions can mean encouraging real-life consequences.

This article is part of African Women in Media (AWIM) Graduate Trainee Programme in collaboration with Fojo Media Institute