Six Nations Rugby has partnered with Arwen AI and will use its technology to tackle hate speech and harmful content within its online community.
Arwen AI, which was founded in 2020 in the wake of online abuse directed at TV and sports personalities uses Artificial Intelligence to detect and remove spam, hateful comments, or unwanted and harmful content.
Through a combination of algorithms, developed by Arwen, and those available on the open market, the system continually scans for content, in 29 languages, to immediately detect harmful content.
Six Nations Rugby will be using the Arwen AI technology with immediate effect, and throughout the Summer Nations Series, with all six unions given access to the tool as well, so that rugby can come together to collectively tackle online hate.
“The aim is to collectively protect our existing online community, and welcome new members to join, with the confidence that rugby is taking action to make the game open to all and operates with a zero-tolerance approach to any form of discrimination.”
Sarah Beattie, Chief Marketing Officer, Six Nations Rugby
Each user of the technology can set bespoke filters to ensure the algorithms operate with the greatest level of accuracy. Any content that matches the criteria and contradicts the Six Nations Rugby community guidelines, is captured, and flagged, allowing immediate action to be taken, and protect the online community.
Sarah Beattie, Chief Marketing Officer of Six Nations Rugby, commented, “Rugby is for everyone, and we have a responsibility to make the sport as inclusive and accessible as possible. Tackling online abuse and forms of harmful content is an important step to ensure this.
“By using the AI technology developed by Arwen, and offering this to our six unions, the aim is to collectively protect our existing online community, and welcome new members to join, with the confidence that rugby is taking action to make the game open to all and operates with a zero-tolerance approach to any form of discrimination.”
Matthew McGrory, CEO of Arwen AI, added, “Arwen AI is committed to protecting athletes, celebrities, brands, and everyday users of social media from rising levels of online toxicity and abuse.
“We’re therefore incredibly proud to partner with Six Nations Rugby as part of their drive to tackle hate speech and harmful content within its online community.
“We’re looking forward to working together to create a positive online environment in which teams, players and fans can engage with each other during such an exciting time for the sport.”
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