An online study has shown a disturbing increase in online abuse of some of the most marginalized young people in low and middle-income countries. They include sex workers, gay men, trans people, and those living with HIV.
The abuse includes blackmail and harassment to threats, and the non-consensual distribution of intimate images. Experts caution that this online harm is becoming increasingly common, more mainstream, and followed by offline violence.
The report, the largest of its kind, was led by the University of Warwick’s Center for Interdisciplinary Methodologies and covered four countries: Colombia, Ghana, Kenya, and Vietnam.
Stigma and fear are blocking access to health information
Over 300 young adults aged 18 to 30, along with 41 professionals from UN agencies, government bodies, and advocacy groups, took part in the study. Researchers found that digital abuse is creating major barriers for marginalized youth trying to access vital health resources online.
Young people described feeling unsafe using digital platforms due to the risk of being exposed, harassed, or monitored. This fear is keeping them from the health information they need, especially related to HIV.
For example:
- In Colombia, some transgender youth avoid social media altogether to escape harassment.
- In Vietnam, people living with HIV often self-censor online to avoid being “outed.”
- In Ghana, some fear being reported to authorities for simply being part of a sexual minority.
Cost, control, and surveillance are adding pressure
The study also highlighted how basic obstacles like cost and internet access are keeping many disconnected. In Kenya and Ghana, some young people have to choose between mobile data and food. Others, particularly young women, rely on male partners for access to phones or data, leaving them vulnerable to control or abuse.
Participants across all countries expressed concern about surveillance. Shared phones, often a necessity, mean private messages, health reminders, or browsing history could easily be seen by family or community members.
Real-life consequences from online threats
Three out of four young people said they or someone they knew had faced serious online abuse, from stalking and blackmail to explicit threats and doxxing. Some cases escalated into real-world violence:
- A gay man in Ghana was attacked after being lured by a fake online romance.
- In Vietnam, a man was blackmailed with doctored photos sent to his contacts.
- In Colombia, transgender sex workers were stalked after their private information was shared without consent.
- In Kenya, a 14-year-old girl living with HIV was evicted when her health status was accidentally revealed via text on a shared phone.
Many victims said reporting abuse to police only made things worse. In Ghana, one participant said his friend was questioned about being in a same-sex relationship after going to the police to report an assault.
Digital rights are still out of reach
The UN recognizes access to online health information as a basic human right. But researchers say that right remains far out of reach for many. Stigma, fear, poor protections, and digital exclusion are cutting off access to vital services.
Professor Sara(Meg)Davis, who led the study, said:
“The issues we’ve documented have real consequences, not just for physical health, but for mental well-being, access to services, and young adults’ futures.”
Dr. Bernard Koomson, co-author of the report, added:
“Young adults want to use digital tools for their health, but not at the expense of privacy, safety, or dignity.”
A call for action from the global health community
The study urges governments, tech companies, and the World Health Organization (WHO) to act now. Key recommendations include:
Ensuring digital inclusion: Make health services available through both online and offline means, so no one is left behind.
Cracking down on online abuse: Governments must update laws, train police, and hold tech platforms accountable.
Protecting digital privacy: Countries need stronger data protection rules and better public awareness about rights.
Supporting youth leadership: Young adults should help shape the digital health policies that affect their lives.
Experts involved in the study emphasized that digital health can still be a powerful tool if it is built on equity, dignity, and rights.
“Digital health must be grounded in human rights,” said Allan Maleche, Executive Director of the Kenya Legal & Ethical Issues Network on HIV and AIDS, “The current system is failing too many.”
