TFGBV Taxonomy
Perpetrator:

Formal group

Last Updated 6/4/25
Definition: An established organization that coordinates systematic targeting campaigns against individuals or groups, typically for political, ideological, or social control purposes.
Abuse Types:
Online harassment Doxxing Online impersonation Intimate image abuse (IIA) Sexual extortion
Targets:
Organization, group, community Society Public figure
Perpetrator Intents:
Silence Financial gain Punitive intent Aggrandizement

Synonyms

Coordinated networks, Extremist organizations, organized groups, Politically motivated groups

Description

Formal groups differ from informal networks through their established structure, clear leadership, and systematic approach to targeting. These organizations often have political, religious, or ideological motivations and deploy coordinated campaigns against specific individuals or communities.These groups particularly target women in positions of power or visibility.

Unlike individual perpetrators, formal groups can sustain long-term campaigns and mobilize multiple members to amplify harm.

Skill level

Medium to High - Formal groups typically combine members with varying technical abilities, allowing them to coordinate sophisticated campaigns while also engaging in basic harassment tactics. Their organizational structure enables knowledge sharing and tactical development across skill levels.

Mitigation strategies

  • Prioritized reporting
  • Rate limits on low trust accounts
  • Know your customer (KYC)

References

  • Australian eSafety Commissioner. (2024, September). Technology, gendered violence and Safety by Design: An industry guide for addressing technology-facilitated gender-based violence through Safety by Design. Australian ESafety Commissioner. https://www.esafety.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-09/SafetyByDesign-technology-facilitated-gender-based-violence-industry-guide.pdf
  • Posetti, J., & Shabbir, N. (2022). The Chilling: a Global Study of Online Violence against Women Journalists. https://www.icfj.org/sites/default/files/2023-02/ICFJ%20Unesco_TheChilling_OnlineViolence.pdf
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