Paper Title
ONLINE PRIVACY AND SOCIAL MEDIA REGULATION: A GENDERED ANALYSIS OF WOMEN’S PORTRAYAL

Abstract
Online Privacy and Social Media Regulation in India and Globally: A Gendered Analysis of Women’s Portrayal examines how digital governance frameworks intersect with gendered experiences in contemporary online spaces. As social media platforms increasingly shape public discourse and identity formation, women face heightened risks of privacy violations, cyberstalking, non-consensual image sharing, trolling, and algorithmic misrepresentation. This paper critically evaluates India’s evolving regulatory landscape—including the Information Technology Act, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, and platform-specific guidelines—while comparing them with global frameworks such as the GDPR, EU Digital Services Act, and international safety standards. By analyzing legal provisions, enforcement mechanisms, and platform moderation practices, the study highlights gaps that disproportionately affect women, particularly in contexts of patriarchal norms, digital surveillance, and inadequate redressal systems. The paper also investigates how social media algorithms amplify gender stereotypes, sexualized portrayals, and harmful narratives, contributing to digital harm and offline consequences. Through a gender-sensitive lens, it explores the tension between freedom of expression, platform responsibility, and user rights. Drawing on empirical studies, case law, and policy reports, the research underscores the need for comprehensive, rights-based regulation that prioritizes women’s digital autonomy, privacy, and safety. Ultimately, the paper argues for harmonized global standards, stronger enforcement, and gender-responsive technological design to ensure equitable and ethical online environments. Keywords - Online privacy, social media regulation, women’s portrayal, gendered digital harm, data protection.