A study conducted by UN Women and UNU Macau delves into how artificial intelligence (AI) and digital security are linked to women’s safety and the promotion of peace in Southeast Asia.

The research emphasized that Artificial Intelligence and its extensive use can put women’s safety at risk in South East Asian countries. Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) and Women’s Civil Society Organisations (WCSOs) will also be at a huge risk of security threats. Even though the threat is very apparent, these organizations lack the facilities to fight the threats and security breaches.

The research was conducted with ample support from the Government of Australia, under the Cyber and Critical Tech Cooperation Program (CCTCP) of the Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and the Government of the Republic of Korea through the UN Women initiative, Women, Peace, and Cybersecurity: Promoting Women, Peace and Security in the Digital World.

The report from the research Artificial Intelligence and the Women, Peace and Security Agenda in South-East Asia emphasizes security threats to South East Asia women in 4 different areas, namely discrimination, stereotyping, exclusion, and insecurity.  These security threats need to be addressed before these countries can start using AI technologies in a widespread manner.

The report also brings attention to the potential dangers associated with using these technologies for military applications. It suggests two ways to enhance the relationship between AI and the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda in the area: reducing the risks posed by AI systems to further the WPS goals, particularly on social media platforms, as well as other platforms like chatbots and mobile apps; and promoting the creation of AI tools specifically designed to bring in gender-inclusive peace efforts in alignment with WPS principles.