World Athletics has introduced year-round AI protection for 25 athletes on their social media platforms in response to a surge in online abuse during major recent events. This initiative comes after a comprehensive four-year report analyzing online harassment in the sport, which utilized Signify Group’s Threat Matrix service to monitor online activity during the 2021 and 2024 Olympics, as well as the 2022 and 2023 World Athletics Championships.
The findings of the study highlighted the alarming prevalence of cyberbullying targeting athletes, with over 350,000 posts analyzed from the Paris 2024 Olympics alone. Of these, 809 posts were verified as abusive, with 18% being racist, 13% sexual in nature, and 17% sexist. The report revealed that two athletes bore the brunt of the online abuse, receiving 82% of all the targeted posts. This was not an isolated issue, as similar patterns were observed during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the 2023 World Championships in Budapest.
One notable case was that of Jamaican sprinter Junelle Bromfield, who publicly shared her experience of cyberbullying, including receiving death threats, during the Paris Games. The abuse was reportedly linked to her relationship with Olympic 100-meter champion Noah Lyles, further exacerbating the personal nature of the attacks. Such incidents have prompted World Athletics to prioritize athlete welfare, with the organization emphasizing the importance of ensuring that athletes can engage with social media platforms safely and confidently.
While the specifics of the AI protection remain unclear, the technology is typically used to identify and filter out inappropriate content, including racist, sexist, and threatening messages. By implementing this AI-driven solution, World Athletics aims to mitigate the negative impact of online abuse and provide athletes with a safer online environment. The organization’s president, Sebastian Coe, expressed a strong commitment to athlete welfare, stating that measures would continue to be introduced to help athletes navigate the challenges of social media.
The report also revealed disturbing trends in the nature of the abuse. In the case of the 2023 World Championships, 35% of the abusive posts were racist, marking a dramatic increase from previous years. The rise in online harassment, particularly racism, has become a major concern, as athletes from diverse backgrounds are increasingly subjected to harmful comments. This trend highlights the need for more robust measures to address online discrimination and protect athletes from such abuse.
The issue of online harassment in sports is not new, but the scale and intensity of the abuse highlighted in this report underscore the urgent need for action. World Athletics has taken a significant step by conducting this in-depth analysis, which is the first of its kind by an international sports federation. By monitoring social media platforms and identifying abusive content, the organization aims to raise awareness about the prevalence of cyberbullying and its impact on athletes.
Furthermore, the report emphasizes the importance of educating athletes about how to protect themselves from online abuse. Valerie Adams, chair of the World Athletics Athletes’ Commission, noted that many athletes are unsure of how to respond to abusive comments or what measures they can take to safeguard themselves. Through continued education and the implementation of protective measures, World Athletics hopes to empower athletes to feel comfortable engaging with their fans and supporters without fear of harassment.
The AI protection initiative is a step in the right direction, but it also highlights the broader issue of online abuse in sports. While technology can help filter out harmful content, it is equally important to address the root causes of cyberbullying and promote a culture of respect and inclusivity within the sports community. Athletes should not have to face discrimination or hate online, and it is crucial for sports organizations, social media platforms, and fans to work together to create a safer and more supportive environment for all.
In conclusion, the steps taken by World Athletics to offer AI protection to athletes on social media are a crucial development in the fight against cyberbullying. However, this is only the beginning, and ongoing efforts are needed to ensure that athletes can engage with their communities without the fear of online abuse. Through education, technology, and a commitment to athlete welfare, it is possible to foster a safer and more inclusive online space for athletes worldwide.
