Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, has called for immediate action to combat the scourge of online abuse, particularly comments directed at FIA volunteers, officials, and competitors.
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The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is collaborating with Artificial Intelligence experts Arwen.ai as part of a concerted effort to address the issue of online abuse throughout the motorsport community. Arwen.ai is implementing its AI-enabled content moderation platform as part of the collaboration to assist the FIA in detecting and reducing rising levels of unwanted content on its social channels. A successful trial has already occurred.
The collaboration is a key component of a larger campaign that the FIA will launch in the coming weeks. In order to collaborate, the FIA has begun discussions with social media platforms, governments, and other sports governing bodies. The FIA University will also commission research into digital hate and toxic commentary in sports. This will serve as a platform for information sharing, education, and prevention. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, has called for immediate action to combat the scourge of online abuse, particularly comments directed at FIA volunteers, officials, and competitors.
“As the governing body, we draw criticism at times for the decisions we take in enforcing technical and sporting regulations. We respect that people are entitled to their opinion and we encourage free speech, but an increasing number of social media posts carry an unacceptable level of vitriol,” he said.
“Some of that has been aimed at FIA staff and volunteers. I will always stand up for my employees, officials and volunteers. These people enable us to go racing in a safe and controlled environment. Without them, there would be no racing. We have also heard the views of Formula 1 drivers during recent drivers’ briefings at grand prix weekends. They have voiced their concerns over the issue and are committed to action. We are calling on the entire motor sport community to unite as one in this mission.”
“Our campaign will build on the recent Drive It Out initiative. We must all unite to take action against abuse, harassment and hate speech. We must combat this blight on our sport. The expertise of Arwen.ai will be a key tool in this effort. The social media platform owners also have a role to play,” Ben Sulayem added.
