UK Athletes Gain AI Protection Online
- Summary British athletes will receive AI-powered support to combat online abuse after UK Sport signed a £300,000 deal.
- The partnership with Social Protect will allow thousands of athletes to safeguard their social media accounts free of charge until the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
- While the system offers real-time filtering of harmful content, it has limitations, particularly on certain platforms.
Partnership and Implementation
UK Sport, the government-funded body supporting Olympic and Paralympic disciplines, announced the agreement as the first of its kind in British sport. Social Protect, the app chosen for the initiative, scans platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube for more than two million offensive terms. Any flagged comments are automatically hidden, and athletes can customize the system by adding personal triggers. Kate Baker, UK Sport’s Director of Performance, said ignoring the scale of abuse was no longer an option.
How the Technology Works
Social Protect operates much like anti-virus software, continuously monitoring social media activity. Founder Shane Britten explained that the aim is to keep comment sections free from racism, hatred, scams, and other harmful content. The system does not extend to X, formerly Twitter, which a BBC investigation found responsible for the majority of abuse directed at football managers and players. It also cannot block abusive direct messages, leaving athletes to rely on additional services if they want protection in private channels.
Athlete Experiences and Reactions
Online abuse has been a persistent issue since the mid-2000s, with athletes frequently targeted during competitions. Olympic badminton player Kirsty Gilmour (pictured), who has faced death and rape threats, welcomed the initiative, describing it as empowering. She noted that even seemingly minor insults can affect mental health, and hiding them early could prevent further harm. Gilmour emphasized that reducing exposure to abusive content helps athletes focus on their performance and wellbeing.
Social Protect is already in use by sports organizations in Australia, highlighting its growing international adoption. Research shows that online abuse disproportionately affects athletes during major events, with spikes in activity around competitions. Analysts suggest that AI-driven moderation tools may become standard in professional sports as governing bodies seek to protect participants from digital harassment. The UK initiative could serve as a model for other countries preparing for the next Olympic cycle.
