Brussels – A coalition of media organizations and press freedom advocates today launched the C.H.A.S.E. Code of Conduct, a framework designed to combat the escalating online violence targeting journalists, particularly women. The initiative comes as new data reveals a disturbing trend: 70% of women journalists and activists report experiencing online abuse related to their work, with a quarter facing AI-assisted attacks like deepfakes and manipulated content.
The launch, spearheaded by WAN-IFRA, the global organization for the press, addresses a growing crisis where online harassment is increasingly spilling over into real-world harm. According to figures released alongside the Code, four in ten women journalists experiencing online harassment now also face physical threats or violence – a rate that has more than doubled since 2020.
The C.H.A.S.E. Code of Conduct – which stands for Combatting Harassment, Abuse, and Safety Enhancement – outlines ten specific obligations for media organizations. These include implementing a zero-tolerance policy for gender-based online violence, adopting responsible content moderation practices, providing staff training on recognizing and responding to online abuse, establishing transparent complaint mechanisms, ensuring confidentiality for those reporting harassment, and committing to regular public reporting on compliance efforts.
“Platforms have consistently fallen short in systemically mitigating the risks of gender-based harms,” said a WAN-IFRA spokesperson. “This Code offers a practical remedy, providing media organizations with a concrete set of steps they can take to protect their journalists and foster safer online environments.”
The Code is designed to align with existing and emerging European Union legislation, including the Digital Services Act (DSA), which aims to create a safer digital space for users. The DSA, which came into force in February 2024, places greater responsibility on online platforms to address illegal content and protect users from harm. The C.H.A.S.E. Code provides a framework for media organizations to proactively meet these obligations.
Organizations that sign the Code and complete a validation questionnaire will receive a digital “e-badge” as a public demonstration of their commitment. The validation process is overseen by independent civil society bodies, ensuring accountability and transparency. The Code is available free of charge, and signing takes only a few minutes, according to WAN-IFRA.
The initiative has garnered initial support from several European media outlets, though a full list of signatories has not yet been released. WAN-IFRA is actively encouraging all media organizations and professionals to adopt the Code and display the e-badge on their websites and social media channels.
The growing use of artificial intelligence to create and disseminate abusive content is a particular concern. The report highlights the increasing sophistication of online attacks, with deepfakes and manipulated images being used to discredit and intimidate journalists. Experts warn that this trend is likely to accelerate as AI technology becomes more accessible.
While the C.H.A.S.E. Code of Conduct represents a significant step forward, questions remain about its enforceability and the willingness of all media organizations to participate. WAN-IFRA has stated that it will continue to work with stakeholders to refine the Code and ensure its effectiveness. The organization has not yet announced a timeline for the first compliance reports or a process for addressing organizations that fail to meet their obligations.
