Social & Media Matters Leads the Fight for Digital Safety

NATIONWIDE - OCTOBER 2025 - (USAnews.com) In a world increasingly dominated by technology, the digital divide is not just about access; it’s also about safety. Arnika Singh, Director of Programs, Policy and Research at Social & Media Matters, vividly recalls the moment that turned the course of her organization’s mission. At the Stanford Trust & Safety Research Conference in 2025, Arnika stood before an audience of experts, delivering a study that revealed the alarming scale of sextortion in India. She didn't rely on abstract data or broad statements; instead, she chose to share something deeply personal: the words of the victims themselves. "I was thinking, what should I say that proves my point and impresses the room? Then I decided, let me just say what victims told me: 'It’s my fault.'"

These words encapsulate the painful truth behind the report’s findings. Sextortion, an insidious blend of manipulation, technology, and coercion, has reached epidemic proportions in India, yet remains largely invisible to the public eye. The study, conducted by Social & Media Matters, analyzes victim narratives and data from over 1,200 respondents, and it paints a harrowing picture of digital abuse.

A Mission to Protect the Vulnerable

Social & Media Matters was founded with a single goal: to protect those most at risk in India’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. As millions of Indians come online every year, the necessary safety nets for digital spaces remain woefully underdeveloped. The organization works at the intersection of digital rights, safety, and access, focusing on marginalized communities, especially youth, queer groups, and low-literacy users, who are most vulnerable to exploitation online.

The organization's mission is clear, but the path has not been without obstacles. One of the most significant challenges Social & Media Matters faces is raising awareness about digital harms like sextortion, cyberbullying, and non-consensual imagery. Many victims are reluctant to come forward due to the shame and social stigma that still surrounds online abuse in India. The organization’s approach is human-centered, offering direct support to victims, helping them report incidents when they are ready, and working with them to rebuild trust in digital spaces.

But it’s not just about providing crisis intervention. Social & Media Matters is dedicated to creating long-term change by pushing for policy reforms, advocating for platform accountability, and educating the public on digital safety. In a country where 75% of people are unaware of how to report online abuse, the need for awareness campaigns and digital literacy is undeniable.

The Turning Point: Sextortion in India

The breakthrough moment for Social & Media Matters came when they uncovered the widespread, systemic nature of sextortion in India. This was not a few isolated incidents, it was a deep-rooted issue that affected millions. The organization's research on this topic revealed that one in twelve respondents had experienced sextortion, while many more had heard of someone who had.

A striking finding was that more than half of the victims never reported their experience, either to platforms, their families, or authorities. For many, the fear of social stigma and family dishonor outweighed the prospect of justice. More than 60% of victims received no response when they did attempt to report, and in cases involving AI-generated abuse, there was often no clear process for takedown or assistance. These statistics not only underscore the urgency of the issue but also highlight the inadequacies in how platforms handle such violations.

The study also revealed a disturbing trend: sextortion operates like a criminal supply chain, with different actors responsible for targeting victims, extracting content, manipulating it with AI, and then collecting money from victims. Platforms have been slow to implement effective mechanisms for preventing or mitigating such abuse, and this is a gap that Social & Media Matters is determined to fill.

What Makes Social & Media Matters Unique?

What sets Social & Media Matters apart from other organizations is its commitment to tackling digital harms from both the grassroots and policy levels. The team not only supports victims directly but also works tirelessly to bring about systemic changes through research, advocacy, and public education. Arnika Singh’s voice has become one of the leading ones in India when it comes to holding tech platforms accountable. At the Stanford Conference, she delivered a powerful call to action, urging platforms to move from "plausible deniability" to proactive responsibility.

But what truly makes Social & Media Matters stand out is its ability to see beyond the data and understand the human cost of digital harm. The organization doesn’t just study the numbers, it listens to the survivors and amplifies their voices. As Arnika puts it, "What we’re seeing is not a fringe phenomenon. It’s a mass experience of silent suffering."

Taking Action to Bring Change

The truth is, the fight against sextortion and digital abuse is only just beginning, and Social & Media Matters is on the front lines. Through direct intervention, groundbreaking research, and advocacy, the organization is not only helping victims find support but is also calling on digital platforms to take responsibility for the harm they facilitate. As Arnika passionately stated, “Platforms need to move from plausible deniability to proactive responsibility.”

Now, more than ever, it’s clear that the digital safety of millions hangs in the balance. If we want to change the current trajectory and ensure safer online spaces, it’s crucial for individuals and organizations to come together and support initiatives that protect the vulnerable. Social & Media Matters is leading this charge, but they can’t do it alone.

If you are concerned about the rising tide of digital abuse and want to support efforts to address sextortion, explore the work Social & Media Matters is doing. Visit their website at www.socialmediamatters.in to learn more about their mission, read the full report on sextortion, and discover how you can get involved. You can also participate in their digital literacy workshops or share their findings to amplify awareness about this urgent issue.

Join the conversation and stay up-to-date with Social & Media Matters on their LinkedIn page.

The time to act is now. Join Social & Media Matters in pushing for systemic changes that will protect not only today’s vulnerable but also future generations navigating the digital landscape. Together, we can create a safer, more inclusive digital world for everyone.