Fake profiles, manipulated images driving surge of new forms of abuse – Minister warns

Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud has issued a strong call for increased awareness around digital violence, noting that many Guyanese are still unsure what the term means, even as the global 16 Days of Activism campaign spotlights it this year. According to the Minister, digital violence is “very pervasive,” often occurring in everyday online interactions without people recognising it. “Digital violence is very pervasive. In fact, you might not recognise it as digital violence, but the things that happen every day—cyberstalking, harassment, bullying—these are all forms of digital violence…and that’s why I wanted to bring awareness to this. Because these things happen, but we don’t put it all together and call it something,” she said in a video message posted on the Ministry’s social media page. She warned that with the rapid growth of artificial intelligence; new forms of online abuse are emerging. People, she said, are now using AI tools to impersonate others—an act considered identity theft under the law, by utilising their photos, creating fake profiles and publishing harmful content in their names.

Manipulated images
Even worse, Persaud explained, is the creation of manipulated images.
“Taking someone’s head and putting it on someone else’s body, putting people in situations where they never were… When they do these kinds of things, it causes terrible harm. It destroys people. In fact, it affects a lot of people who are in public life.” She noted that while social media and connectivity bring tremendous benefits in communication, education and awareness, there is a darker side that cannot be ignored. “Just go across social media. These things are so realistic that they can fool anyone… But while connectivity is great and social media is wonderful for all the things we want, it has this darker side. And that’s why we have to bring awareness to digital violence. So as you look at me, take note of it and share it with the people around you.” Persaud also urged parents, guardians and community members to speak with young people, who are increasingly falling victim to digital abuse, often because they share sensitive photos or videos without understanding the long-term consequences. “A lot of young people are getting caught in this digital violence trap because they take videos, they take nude photos, they share these things… They might share it with someone they trust, or they might post it somewhere. All of these things stay on the net—even after it is deleted. And that is where digital violence comes into play.” She added that gendered digital violence remains a major concern, with women being frequent targets of harassment, stalking, misinformation and image-based abuse. “A lot of these targets are women. And you use their gender and you find things to use against them on a digital platform. You keep attacking them, you keep harassing them, you keep stalking them…hacking is also part of digital violence. I’m sure at one time or another, somebody’s account was hacked.”