IOC Implements AI to Combat Athlete Abuse

The Paris 2024 Olympics is facing an alarming rise in online abuse directed at athletes, prompting the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to implement an AI system called Threat Matrix to combat this issue. Athletes like Japan's Ayane Yanai have experienced harsh criticism on social media, leading the Japanese Olympic Committee to advocate for better online conduct and potentially pursue legal action against defamation. The Threat Matrix is designed to analyze social media content in over 35 languages, identifying abusive posts before they reach athletes and categorizing them for human review. This innovative approach aims to protect the mental health of competitors and prevent the escalation of cyberbullying. Experts emphasize the importance of early intervention, stating that addressing online abuse proactively is crucial for athlete well-being. The IOC's initiative marks a significant step in safeguarding athletes as they compete under intense pressure.