Technology, the Internet and social networks can be powerful tools in the fight against gender-based violence, as confirmed by numerous applications and algorithms that are already being used around the world with the aim of prevention, stated the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, Brankica Janković, on the occasion of the International Day Elimination of Violence against Women, opening the conference “Technology and innovation in the service of society – prevention of violence against women” organized by the Embassy of Israel and the Science and Technology Park in Belgrade.
Although the development of modern technologies and ways of communication have contributed to faster and better informing of citizens, they have also become a source of negative phenomena of today, such as cyber misogyny and abuse, hate speech, “revenge pornography” and other forms of violence, the commissioner said, and added that on that occasion the institution of the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality has repeatedly issued warnings to the public and stressed the need for an adequate systemic response.
On the other hand, the development of modern technologies can and must be used to prevent violence and the experience of the organization “Michal Sela Forum” from Israel, which is dedicated to saving lives and preventing violence through the development and implementation of innovative technological solutions, is very valuable, as the founder and director of this organization Lily Ben Amy presented in Belgrade. Technological progress must be in the function of progress and security for all citizens, and in order to achieve that goal, it is necessary to include all relevant social factors, including the ICT sector and innovations, the commissioner concluded.