Answer:

Introduction:

Technology-Facilitated Sexual Violence (TFSV) has emerged as a pressing concern in the digital age, particularly among young women in higher educational institutions. It involves online misconduct ranging from morphed images to explicit threats, magnifying existing socio-cultural inequalities.

Body:

Technology-Facilitated Sexual Violence:

• TFSV encompasses various digital abuses like morphed images, digital flashing, rape threats, and unsolicited explicit comments and messages. 
• Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp have become breeding grounds for such behaviors.
• For instance, A college student’s image can be maliciously edited and circulated on social media, tarnishing her reputation and causing psychological distress.

Impact of TFSV on College Students:

• Mental and Physical Wellbeing: 
  • Many survivors undergo depression, anxiety, PTSD, and even harbor suicidal thoughts. 
  • For instance, a student might suffer from anxiety after receiving rape threats on Instagram or Facebook.
• Academic and Career Impediments: 
  • Online abuse can lead to a decrease in academic performance or lost job opportunities. 
  • A student blackmailed with morphed images might refrain from attending classes or participating in campus activities.
• Social Consequences: 
  • This includes isolation, familial ostracisation, or even violence. 
  • A student could be shamed by peers or family for being a “victim,” pushing her into social isolation.
• Anonymity of Abusers: 
  • Offenders frequently hide behind the veil of online anonymity, making it difficult to trace or confront them.

Challenges in Addressing TFSV:

• Ambiguities in Legislation: 
  • India’s IT Act of 2000 has provisions against certain forms of TFSV.
  • However, it’s often ambiguous, dissuading survivors from reporting.
• Platform Safety Measures: 
  • Despite housing the most Facebook users globally, India sees negligence from technology giants. 
  • Meta’s safety algorithms, primarily trained in American English, often overlook abusive content in Indian languages.
• Unoptimized Artificial Intelligence: 
  • AI systems can inadvertently reinforce discrimination.
• Non-Implementation in Educational Institutions: 
  • Higher educational institutions have guidelines and Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) to address harassment.
  • However, their formation, training, and management remain challenges.
• Low Awareness & Reporting: 
  • Many students are unaware of their right to report TFSV. 
  • The data suggests that 44% were uncertain if they could even report such harassment to their institution.

Proposed Solutions:

• Strengthening Regulatory Measures: 
  • The forthcoming Digital India Act could tighten regulations for tech platforms, mandating better accountability.
• Holistic Approach: 
  • Understanding TFSV’s impact across various marginalized identities, including caste, religion, and sexual orientation, will enhance interventions.
• Empowering Students: 
  • Institutions can establish anonymous helplines, mental health services, and initiate grassroots efforts like safety training workshops and facilitated discussions.
• Enhancing Awareness: 
  • Open dialogue around TFSV, without victim-blaming, can significantly address the issue.
• Government Initiatives: 
  • Provisions in the IT Act targeting cybercrimes against women, and the “Digital Literacy and Online Safety Programme” to promote safe internet use, particularly among women, are steps in the right direction.

Conclusion:

The digital realm should be a place of empowerment, not victimization. TFSV, especially targeting college students, undermines this potential. With cohesive governmental regulations, educational institution reforms, and societal awareness, India can ensure a safer online space for its youth.