New RE:SAFE analysis on the phenomenon of online platform abuse
The development of social networks has brought new forms of abuse that infringe on the privacy and dignity
of individuals. This analysis focuses on the phenomenon of monetized cyberstalking –
systematic online harassment that perpetrators purposefully monetize through online
platforms.
Current instruments such as GDPR (Data Protection) and DSA (Digital Services Regulation) already offer a path to defense today.
Key findings of the analysis:
- Economic motivation: Attackers record their attacks (including physical assaults and insults) and publish them in paid sections for profit. The more humiliating the content, the greater the financial reward it generates.
- Existing law is sufficient: The analysis shows that it is not necessary to adopt new regulation. Current instruments such as GDPR (data protection) and DSA (Digital Services Regulation) already offer a way to defend today.
- Failure of public authority: The document documents specific cases from the Czech environment, where the police and courts react slowly or ineffectively to these attacks.
- Risks of censorship: Any intervention against content must be proportionate so as not to backfire on freedom of expression and independent journalism
