Telegram deepfake bots are built to survive takedowns, and target women by default
A CIR investigation into Telegram's "nudification" bots found that they are only the visible layer of a wider, commercially organised abuse economy that allow operators to rebuild the moment a single bot is removed.
How Syrian digital space became an active field for sectarian and gender based violence in 2025
Research conducted by SEEN for Civil Peace, a Syrian civil society organisation, in collaboration with CIR, examined the complex interactions of hostile dynamics during the critical transitional phase, following the collapse of the Syrian regime in late 2024. This research is the first of its kind in Syria.
From harm to hate: How Russian forces in Africa target women
An investigation examining how online gendered narratives targeting African women intersect with incidents of conflict-related sexual violence linked to Russian-controlled forces.
From Bystander to Ally: Six steps for safer online spaces
Online abuse moves fast and too often, bystanders don’t know how to respond. To mark International Women’s Day, CIR introduces The Six R’s of Digital Bystander Intervention, a practical framework that helps turn uncertainty into action and empowers users to challenge harm safely in digital spaces.
Building safer digital spaces in Ethiopia: TikTok and CIR’s joint efforts to tackle TFGBV in Ethiopia
After our No Safe Scroll report exposed the scale of gendered hate on TikTok and YouTube in Ethiopia, TikTok reached out to engage directly with the findings. Together, we co-hosted a forum in Addis Ababa, bringing together media, civil society, and community voices to tackle tech-facilitated gender-based violence and push for safer digital spaces.
We analysed the hate speech on our social media videos - here’s what we found
After our recent videos on Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) in Ethiopia were flooded with online hate speech, we decided to investigate what was being said, and why.
The untold impacts of online abuse on Ethiopian women
Driven to leave Ethiopia by relentless online abuse, wellness expert and influencer Lella Misikir’s story exposes the harsh reality of technology-facilitated gender-based violence in Ethiopia.
Finding Alternatives: Entrepreneurship and resilience by Afghan women online
As the Taliban continue to erode women's rights, many Afghan women have turned to Instagram as a lifeline for community, self-expression and business - while navigating increasing restrictions and abuse.
CIR launches new ‘Gender Lens’ hub to spotlight research on gender-based violence and information manipulation
Designed as a resource for researchers, journalists, and the public, the new hub aims to raise awareness and increase access to gender-focused, open source research on a range of countries and contexts.