The International Cricket Council has taken major steps to keep the players safe from ‘toxic content’ at the Women’s T20 World Cup with the introduction of an AI tool to filter comments on social media, in partnership with GoBubble. Over 60 players have already signed up for the initiative.
The ICC has collaborated with a United Kingodom based software company GoBubble to develop the tool that will use artificial intelligence as well as human resources to hide ‘toxic comments’ on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. All players playing at the Women’s World Cup have been invited to sign up for the application with over 60 of them enrolled already, meaning their social media accounts now are protected as per the tool’s provisions. Â
‌”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,” an ICC release said on the morning of the tournament-opener.
“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.
The ICC release also quoted Sinalo Jafta, the wicketkeeper-batter for South Africa, who spoke highly of the need to create more such meachanisms to create healthier online spaces.
“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. 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,” she said.
“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,” Jafta’s statement further read.
The tournament is slated to kick off at Sharjah on Thursday with an encounter between Bangladesh and Scotland, with the final scheduled to take place on October 20, Sunday, in Dubai.
