Rugby Australia Uses AI to Combat Online Abuse: Protects Players

Rugby Australia (RA) takes a bold step in the fight against online abuse and harassment. They have implemented an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) application to protect their players on social media. This initiative, a first in Australian sport, is carried out in collaboration with Social Protect. The application will be available free of charge to all clubs, staff, volunteers and participants, from the Wallabies to community rugby.

Technology Against Harassment

Social Protect uses AI to automatically detect and remove harmful, offensive, and abusive comments in real time. Deleted comments are logged in an administration portal, allowing RA to take action to enforce laws and policies. During a two-month trial on the social media accounts of national teams such as the Wallabies and the Wallaroos, Social Protect isolated more than 1500 inappropriate comments.

This innovative partnership is a significant step in Rugby Australia’s commitment to providing a safe and respectful environment for everyone involved in our game, from the Wallabies and Wallaroos to grassroots players, volunteers, and referees.

Phil Waugh, RA chief

Phil Waugh, head of RA, highlighted that this collaboration will establish a new standard in the response to abuse on social media. Waugh added that Social Protect offers the tools to actively prevent harm, rather than simply reacting after it occurs. Shane Britten, founder and CEO of Social Protect, stated that the application empowers individuals to define their own boundaries in the online space.

Abuse is abuse, whether it happens in the field or in a comment section.

Shane Britten, founder and CEO of Social Protect

Britten also highlighted that the adoption of this technology by Rugby Australia is a clear sign that the safety of participants extends beyond the touchlines.