Rugby Australia Uses AI App to Combat Online Abuse Nationally

Athletes across various sports, particularly in rugby and women’s sports, face pervasive online abuse ranging from death threats to racial and personal attacks. To combat this, companies like Signify Group and Social Protect have developed AI-powered tools that detect and delete harmful comments in real time, relieving athletes from directly facing online harassment. Rugby Australia has partnered with Social Protect to make this technology accessible across all levels of rugby, from elite players like the Wallabies to grassroots participants, successfully quarantining over 1500 abusive comments during a recent trial. This initiative marks a significant shift in sports organizations taking active roles in safeguarding their players beyond traditional moderation, aiming to create safer environments both online and offline. The AI systems use extensive keyword databases and allow users to customize filters, empowering individuals to set personal boundaries against online abuse. These efforts reflect a broader recognition that social media platforms alone cannot adequately protect athletes, prompting sports bodies to adopt proactive, technology-driven solutions.