ICC launches AI tool to protect teams from 'toxic content' in T20 World Cup

The ICC has launched a new software for the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 to help protect the cricket community from "toxic content". This will be a part of a social media moderation programme which will help to safeguard the mental health of individuals and "ensure a safer, kinder and healthier online community for the sport" as well. 

 

An ICC release issued on the morning of the first day of the T20 World Cup 2024 shared that the programme was to "promote a more positive and inclusive online experience for teams and players" and 60 players have already opted for it as well. The ICC has involved GoBubble, a software company from the UK, to provide a combination of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and human resources to check comments on the ICC's social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, as well as those of players who have signed up for this as well. 

 

 

"The cutting-edge technology is designed to identify and hide from public view toxic content such as hate speech, harassment, and misogyny, helping to create a safer and more welcoming space for fans to engage with the World Cup," the ICC release said.

 

However, players who participate in this can have bad comments hidden from social media accounts as well.

 

"We are dedicated to fostering a positive and inclusive environment for all participants and fans of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, it's been great to see so many of the players and teams embrace our new initiative," ICC head of digital, Finn Bradshaw said.

 

 

South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Sinalo Jafta said that players getting this kind of protection from social media was "very big".

 

 

"For me with social media protection I think it takes a lot of weight off players, especially at World Cup campaigns as that is the worst of it," she was quoted saying in the release. "There is nothing worse than opening up your phone after a loss - or after a victory - and regardless of what side you find yourself there is always some degrading comment about your personality."

 

"With the youngsters coming in you tell them 'please don't look', but what are they going to do? It is literally their thing. That protection for me is very big because players get to share their life with the world without the fear of being judged or criticised. I am looking forward to seeing the changes, people just being free and players can just show the world who they really are," she further added.

 

The 10-team mega event starts on Thursday in Sharjah at 2 pm local time (10 am GMT) with Bangladesh playing against Scotland before Pakistan take on Sri Lanka in the evening game starting at 6 pm local time in Dubai as well. The tournament will start in Sharjah on Thursday with the final slated in Dubai on October 20 as well.