A Need for Social Media Reform & Protecting Victims’ Voices in a Digital Age
“Tragically, when these systems fail, social media becomes one of the few avenues left for survivors to seek accountability. This is where the disheartening reality emerges: a system that prioritizes the alleged rights of the perpetrators over the fundamental needs of the victims.”
In our fast-paced, interconnected world, social media has become a powerful tool for communication, advocacy, and support. On the flip side, it is also a tool that many abusers use to groom, harass, lie, defame, and stalk. For many, it offers a platform to share experiences, find community, and seek justice. However, for victims of crimes, particularly those subjected to trafficking, sextortion, and cyberstalking, the reality of social media can be insidiously different.
In a landscape where the voices of survivors are often systemically drowned out by oppressive systems and even by law enforcement, the need for reform within social media platforms is urgent. Victims should have the same right to speak out against their abusers, share their truths, and name those who have harmed them, especially in situations where law enforcement has failed to act or actively perpetuates their victimization.
The process of reporting abuse and finding justice is fraught with challenges; I have witnessed this first-hand throughout my trafficking and exploitation case. Many victims face disbelief or apathy from the authorities tasked with helping them. Tragically, when these systems fail, social media becomes one of the few avenues left for survivors to seek accountability. This is where the disheartening reality emerges: a system that prioritizes the alleged rights of the perpetrators over the fundamental needs of the victims becomes sobering.
This was another attempt to not only use my freedom of speech to share my experiences but also to attach them to the main culprit without being falsely reported and removed, as we logged another of many examples of victim and witness intimidation. When his “friends”—as he called them—destroyed my life with false accusations of cheating on my husband, I was never given the right to defend myself freely; I was and have been systematically silenced.
In a specific case, the intricate web of abuse can be illustrated by the plight of a survivor, myself, who has bravely named their trafficker online. I have recounted not just the trauma incurred but also highlighted how my quest for justice is continually sabotaged through intimidation, manipulation, and false reporting to silence me.
My accounts have been reported, locked up to become similar to a digital paperweight, and shadow-deleted. Businesses are forced to be rebranded under duress as a way to make it clear to those doing this that their actions are unwelcome, and what should be a supportive community for me to share these experiences with other potential victims and survivors turns hostile as the abusers and their network exploit the very tools that were designed to empower the oppressed.
The paradox lies in the expectations placed upon victims to remain within a framework of "truthfulness" while navigating an environment where their abuser is adept at exploiting the reporting mechanisms of platforms like Google, X, and Medium. These companies must recognize that their current policies leave victims vulnerable, often rendering them powerless to defend themselves or share their stories.
Victims are often left grappling with the emotional toll of having to justify their experiences while also facing most of the repercussions so the abuser can maintain their false mask toward those who might discover these stories and be better informed about whom they're dating, considering hiring, or even marrying. For instance, the fear of being accused of not being truthful can silence those who have already been silenced by their trauma.
I was explaining to X Premium Support that their reporting system failed regarding dogpiling abuse and was subsequently completely locked out of my account after I mentioned these failures and my trafficker’s abuse of the reporting algorithms using his name, as seen above, with no recourse to continue the message and get a refund. These same issues have never happened on the accounts my trafficker and his “friends” cannot find; we have tested this for years.
This systemic failure is perilous; it not only endangers survivors and prevents them from telling the world they are in danger, but also impedes societal progress toward a culture that supports victims openly and is truly truthful in the sea of fast-moving false rumors, defamation, fraud, and more. If we are to live in a society that promotes freedom of speech, then we must also provide proper resources for victims to use their freedoms as well.
Advocates assert that the legal framework surrounding defamation, consent, and freedom of speech should extend beyond the courtroom and into the digital realm. Victims should be granted agency to share the names of their abusers, provided that their assertions meet legal standards—truthfulness, supporting evidence, and a lack of intent to maliciously harm others. When adhering to these guidelines, victims are merely exercising their right to free speech and sharing information that is of public interest and safety to those their abusers may consider harming even after leaving a trail of victims behind them.
Not only does this help promote accountability and create a digital trail of evidence accessible to the victim outside of being forced to obtain it through often ineffective law enforcement, but it also encourages the abuser to consider getting the proper help to minimize the cycle of abuse and lawfare. If victims are to be forced into silence, then we must have a more in-depth process for removing offending content that minimizes fraud and abuse.
To effect meaningful change, social media companies must reassess their approach to adjudicating claims. If they promote themselves as digital town squares, then all the citizens of the town need to be given the same rights as well. Greater transparency in the reporting process is essential; platforms need to create mechanisms that account for the nuances of a victim's experience rather than allowing perpetrators to silence them through false claims and systematic retribution.
Collaboration with advocacy groups and survivors can inform better policies aimed at protecting victim testimony while preventing abuse of the reporting system. The time has come for social media companies and online platforms to awaken to the realities faced by victims of violent crimes, including trafficking, sexual exploitation, and cyber abuse. These platforms have the responsibility to ensure that the voices of those they profess to support are heard, validated, and protected.
The systemic silencing of victims, particularly through manipulation and false reporting to force the removal of content that should remain available for public safety, not only perpetuates their suffering but also undermines the integrity and honesty of public discourse. By allowing victims to name their abusers and share their stories within a supportive framework, we can work toward a more compassionate digital landscape—one that truly reflects the values of justice, empathy, and community.
To create this positive change, it is crucial for social media companies to implement clear guidelines that protect victim testimony while discouraging abuse of the reporting system. Policies need to be informed by the experiences of survivors who have navigated the complexities of trauma and the often-punitive nature of online platforms. This means engaging with advocates who understand the delicate balance between protecting free speech and ensuring the safety of vulnerable individuals.
One potential avenue for reform could involve establishing a dedicated task force within these companies that focuses solely on issues related to abuse, bullying, and exploitation. Such a team would prioritize responses to victim reports and facilitate transparent communication with those affected, fostering a dialogue that respects and validates their experiences. Training for platform moderators should also emphasize trauma-informed practices to ensure a nuanced understanding of the challenges victims face.
Furthermore, incorporating technology that can differentiate between legitimate victim accounts and malicious reports can also enhance the reporting process. Developing algorithms that recognize patterns of abuse or repeated false reports could serve as a safeguard, allowing victims to feel empowered while preventing further harassment.
Ultimately, the role of social media in the lives of survivors of abuse and exploitation is multifaceted. While it can be a medium for expressing personal narratives and advocating for justice, it can also be a breeding ground for further victimization. For a real shift in the digital landscape, companies must take concrete steps to shift their policies from reactionary to proactive, encouraging an environment where victims are supported rather than silenced.
Advocacy for victims in these spaces is not just about protecting individual rights; it is about fostering a community that supports healing, awareness, and justice. When victims are allowed to share their stories openly, they contribute to a collective narrative that can educate others, inspire hope, and encourage a movement toward accountability.
In conclusion, for social media platforms to live up to their potential as tools for empowerment and advocacy, they must prioritize the voices of survivors. A comprehensive, survivor-centered approach is essential for creating a safer, more equitable online environment. By reforming reporting mechanisms, promoting transparency, and fostering collaboration with survivors and advocacy groups, social media can transform from a place where victims are marginalized into a space where healing and justice can flourish.
The time for change is now, and together we can forge a digital landscape that upholds the dignity and rights of all individuals, ensuring that no voice goes unheard.