Gender Based Online Harms: Implications for Governance

This SSHRC-funded project investigates the intersection of gendered political polarization, platform dynamics, and platform governance practices, using Canada and the UK as case studies.

Inconsistent policies and a lack of transparency allow gendered harassment, online violence, and the erosion of gender equity to thrive. Governance decisions by social media companies have largely failed to address these issues. While government interventions and advocacy efforts have spurred some progress, significant gaps remain. Addressing these challenges requires a nuanced understanding of how digital platforms shape societal divides and how governance practices can mitigate their harmful effects.

This project investigates the intersection of gendered political polarization, platform dynamics, and platform governance practices, using Canada and the UK as case studies. It aims to:

1. Synthesize the state of scholarly understanding of the relationship between gender and political polarization in digital spaces.
2. Analyze Canada and the UK as case studies to examine how platform governance influences these dynamics in Western democracies.
3. Inform evidence-based governance approaches to mitigate the impacts of gendered polarization.

Canada and the UK provide contrasting contexts for this analysis. Canada's Online Harms Act, currently under development, offers a starting point for addressing these issues, while the UK's Online Safety Bill represents a more mature regulatory framework. By examining the successes and shortcomings of these approaches, the research will identify opportunities to enhance governance practices. The urgency of this work is underscored by the 2024 U.S. election, which revealed deepening gender divides that mirror global trends. As social media platforms continue to amplify harmful narratives, these divides threaten gender equity, public safety, and democratic resilience. This project's findings will provide actionable recommendations for governments, civil society, and technology companies, emphasizing the need for transparent and accountable platform policies that prioritize inclusivity and protection from harm.