Rome, 22 April (LaPresse) – The parliamentary commission of inquiry into femicide and all forms of gender-based violence has unanimously approved the draft report on the ‘digital dimension of violence against women’. Among other things, the text calls for the introduction of a specific criminal offence for the non-consensual dissemination of sexually explicit content generated by AI. “The unanimous green light for the report on digital violence marks a concrete step forward, thanks in part to the incorporation of our proposals,” stated M5S MPs Stefania Ascari, Anna Bilotti, Alessandra Maiorino and Daniela Morfino in a press release issued by the bicameral parliamentary commission of inquiry into femicide and gender-based violence. “We have strongly reiterated that digital violence is not an isolated phenomenon,” they explain, “but forms part of the wider normalisation of misogyny and the objectification of women’s bodies, finding a powerful amplifier in online platforms. For this reason, the fight against it cannot be limited to repressive measures, but requires structural interventions for cultural prevention. Because sexualised insults are not just hate, but a strategy of exclusion from digital citizenship and democratic participation.‘ ’Among the points we raised that were accepted are deepfakes and delays in content removal, as well as the lack of effective ‘stay down’ guarantees. European regulations provide a foundation, but they are not enough without more effective national coordination. There is also the establishment of a single point of contact for reporting and the introduction of a specific offence for the non-consensual dissemination of sexually explicit content generated by AI. This report is a collaborative effort that strengthens the tools. Now it must be swiftly translated into concrete action," they conclude.
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