The award-winning journalist faces escalating harassment; Journalistic organisations demand her safety and accountability
Team Clarion
MUMBAI – Rana Ayub, a prominent Indian journalist, recently became a victim of a disturbing online attack when her details were leaked, a process known as doxxing. The situation has now worsened with the emergence of a deepfake video featuring her. The video, ostensibly created and circulated by right-wing social media accounts, has sparked international concern, with press freedom advocates urging the Indian government to act swiftly to protect the journalist.
Ayub, who has been a vocal critic of the Narendra Modi government, took to social media to condemn the harassment. On her Instagram, she described the new wave of attacks, saying, “After filing a complaint, multiple FIRs, protests, and reactions from journalistic organisations, the police took action. But now those who harassed me online and those who follow them have gone a step further. They have created a deepfake pornographic video in which my image has been morphed.”
The disturbing content, which aims to damage Ayub’s reputation and intimidate her, follows a series of other online attacks. In addition to the deepfake video, her email, bank details, and social media passwords were leaked. Right-wing handles also spread false rumours, including claims that Ayub had been arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (UPSTF).
Speaking out against cyber attack, Ayub further stated, “How do you shame and silence a woman who refuses to give up? You try to attack her character, try to undermine her modesty, intimidate her from running her social media accounts, share rumours about her ethics and spread rumours that she chooses the wrong path for her news and articles.”
The harassment has prompted widespread condemnation from journalistic organisations and press freedom advocates. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) issued a statement urging the Indian authorities to take immediate action against those responsible for the doxxing and deepfake content. “We call upon the Indian government to ensure the safety of Rana Ayub and take steps to hold those behind this harassment accountable,” the CPJ statement read.
The Washington Post Press Freedom Initiative also weighed in, expressing alarm at the growing threats against Ayub. “This incident illustrates the deteriorating state of press freedom in India,” the statement said. “The targeting of independent journalists in this manner is not only an attack on an individual but also on the very fabric of a free press.”
Ayub, who has faced consistent online abuse and threats, including death threats, has been the subject of targeted harassment for some time. Last week, her phone number was leaked on social media, leading to incessant video calls and lewd messages, many of which came at night. The individual responsible for the doxxing has been identified as Chandan Kumar, who, according to an investigation by Alt News, has previously worked with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
In response to the latest threats, Ayub filed a complaint with the Cyber Crime Cell, and the Mumbai Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) on November 9. However, despite the legal actions taken, the harassment continues.
The escalating attacks on Rana Ayub are part of a wider trend of online abuse aimed at independent journalists in India, particularly those who are critical of the government. These attacks not only pose serious risks to press freedom but also to the safety and well-being of journalists who continue to report under increasingly hostile conditions.
As the online war against independent women journalists intensifies, many are calling for stronger legal protections and more robust action from authorities to prevent such incidents from recurring.