Umibot: A Case Study

Umibot: A Case Study

RMIT Professor and CCSRI Member Nicola Henry has over 20 years of research experience in the field of sexual violence. She utilised her expertise to start a chatbot designed to help victim-survivors of image-based abuse.

The growth of social media has been accompanied by the growth of online abuse, including cyberbullying, grooming and image-based abuse.

In 2019, 1 in 3 Australians surveyed said they had experienced at least one form of image-based abuse since the age of 16, where someone had taken, shared, or threatened to share, nude, semi-nude or sexual images (photos or videos) without consent. Image-based abuse also includes fake or digitally altered images, including “deepfakes” – fake but highly realistic videos created using artificial intelligence.

The impacts of this growing form of online abuse have been studied and are well understood, but many victims need help to find further support.

Background

RMIT’s Professor Nicola Henry has been a member at the Centre for Cyber Security Research and Innovation (CCSRI) since 2021, bringing over 20 years of research experience in the field of sexual violence. Her work investigates the extent, nature and impacts of sexual violence and harassment, including legal and prevention responses in Australian and international contexts.

In the course of her research into people’s experiences of image-based abuse, Professor Henry found that many people were unaware that what had happened to them was a crime. For many victims, the number one priority was to get the content removed or taken down, but many did not know where to find help and support.

After identifying the need for innovative digital tools to help address image-based abuse, Professor Henry and her colleague, Research Fellow Dr Alice Witt, joined forces through an Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Fellowship project to investigate the role of digital tools, platforms and services for detecting, preventing and responding to image-based abuse.

Using artificial intelligence, Professor Henry and Dr Witt developed a chatbot called Umibot (Umi for short) to provide information, support and general advice to victim-survivors, bystanders and perpetrators of image-based abuse.

“Image-based abuse is a huge violation of trust that’s designed to shame, punish or humiliate. It’s often a way for perpetrators to exert power and control over others,” said Professor Henry.

“We know victim-survivors of image-based abuse face a spectrum of experiences over and above image-based abuse, so we developed Umibot as a fully inclusive and trauma-informed empowerment tool to support people who’ve had diverse experiences and come from different backgrounds.”

Umibot - Case Study

Download and read the full case study for the Umibot project by clicking the button below.

25 July 2023

Share

25 July 2023

Share

Engage

Related News

mining-and-minerals-sector-reference.jpg

An Overview of Cyber Security and Asset Management Standards in the Australian Mining and Minerals Sector
Icon / Small / Calendar Created with Sketch. 27 Nov 2023

RMIT University Centre for Cyber Security Research and Innovation (CCSRI) was commissioned by the Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand (JASANZ) to examine the effectiveness of three ISO and ISO-IEC Standards (AS ISO/IEC 27001; AS ISO/IEC550001 and AS ISO 22301) in the mining and minerals sector, benefits of implementing these Standards, and barriers to their implementation.

ccsri-women-in-cyber-1220x732.jpg

Australian Women in Cyber Security: A Case Study
Icon / Small / Calendar Created with Sketch. 23 Nov 2023

Cyber security plays an increasingly critical role in government, business and education sectors. A key factor to achieving a thriving, robust cyber security sector includes having a diverse and inclusive workforce, representing a wide range of social, cultural and professional experiences. This is particularly important currently with ongoing skills shortages and high demand in this field.

ccsri-asean-delegation-visit-1220x732.jpg

RMIT welcomes AUS4ASEAN delegation
Icon / Small / Calendar Created with Sketch. 20 Nov 2023

For the third time this year, the RMIT Centre for Cyber Security Research and Innovation (CCSRI) is hosting the Australia Awards program, AUS4ASEAN Improving the Digital Readiness and Resilience of TVET Systems in ASEAN, funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

ccsri-lithuanian-presidential-visit-6-1220x732.jpg

RMIT University hosts the Lithuanian President as a part of the ALCRN (Australian Lithuanian Cyber Research Network)
Icon / Small / Calendar Created with Sketch. 19 Oct 2023

The President of Lithuania, His Excellency, Mr Gitanas Nausėda, visited RMIT University this week on Wednesday 18th October as a part of his trip to the Asia Pacific region. The president was accompanied by an academic delegation of leaders from 7 of Lithuania’s top academic institutions.

Load more +
aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

More information