TOKYO: Two video game makers Zoe Quinn and Alex Lifschitz have teamed up to launch a support group for those who have been harassed online.
“By survivors, for survivors,” the Crash Override Network serves as an assistance group for those targeted by Web-based abuse.
That includes Quinn, who was at the center of last year’s GamerGate controversy. The Depression Quest developer was bombarded by Internet backlash after an ex-boyfriend wrote a blog post suggesting she traded sexual favors for media coverage. She denied it, and no evidence of it was produced, but the incident spiraled into a call for “ethics in game journalism” from GamerGate supporters. All too often, however, that effort devolved into online harassment of female gamers and their supporters.
Anita Sarkeesian and Brianna Wu were among those in the gaming community who suffered online abuse, but harassment was not relegated to gamers. Zelda Williams, daughter of Robin Williams, briefly left Twitter after receiving unsettling messages online, prompting Twitter to crack down on the distribution of disturbing imagery. Later, the micro-blogging service also beefed up its abuse-reporting and block options.
They’re not alone: Approximately 40 percent of Internet users have been victims of online abuse, according to a recent Pew Research Center study.
To help combat these issues, Quinn and Lifschitz founded Crash Override, which provides access to experts in information security, hacking, public relations, law enforcement, threat monitoring, and counseling.
“Prior to formal launch, our trial runs had great success in helping victims … feel like they were back in control of their online life,” the network website said.
The Crash Override team is pushing forward on three fronts: crisis center support, ongoing assistance for victims, and community outreach. So whether you seek comfort from another survivor, shelter from continuous abuse, or guidance for the future, the group has you covered.
Of course, every case of online harassment is different; targets, aggressors, and circumstances vary, making it difficult to implement a single procedure. Which is why Crash Override works with clients “to tailor a unique plan of action, informed by our own experience and prior success in the field,” the site said.
Users must remember, however, that Crash Override is not a vigilante group, nor does it take retaliatory action against abusers. With a focus on safety, security, and recovery, the service aims to “disempower abuse and reduce the ability abusers have to perpetuate it.”
“We do not fight harassment with more harassment,” according to the site.
Instead, Crash Override works with law enforcement, the media, and social networks to respond to threats and encourage changes in online policies.
Keep up with the group via Twitter, or Tumblr, where you can find updated resources and information.
