In a pioneering move, Rugby Australia (RA) has teamed up with Social Protect to launch a free AI-powered app designed to combat online abuse and harassment targeting players and staff across social media platforms. This initiative marks a first in Australian sports, aiming to safeguard everyone from elite athletes like the Wallabies to community rugby participants.

How It Works

The Social Protect app automatically detects and removes harmful, offensive, and abusive comments from social media profiles, posts, or pages in real-time. Deleted comments are logged in an admin portal, which RA can access for enforcement of laws and policies.

Trial Success

During a two-month trial on national team social media accounts, including the Wallabies and Wallaroos, Social Protect successfully quarantined over 1500 abusive comments. This trial demonstrated the app's effectiveness in creating a safer online environment.

Leadership in Sports Safety

Phil Waugh, CEO of Rugby Australia, emphasized the importance of this partnership in setting a new standard for sports organizations. "This groundbreaking partnership is a significant step forward in Rugby Australia's commitment to providing a safe and respectful environment for everyone involved in our game," Waugh stated. He added, "By making the app available across the entire rugby ecosystem, we're proud to be leading the way in Australian sport and sending a clear message that abuse and harassment—online or offline—have no place in rugby."

Empowering Individuals

Shane Britten, founder and CEO of Social Protect, highlighted the app's role in empowering individuals to define their own boundaries online. "Abuse is abuse, whether it happens on the field or in a comment section," Britten said. "Rugby Australia's whole-of-sport adoption is a clear sign that participant safety now extends beyond the sidelines."

Commitment to Safeguarding

This partnership underscores the potential for organizations to proactively protect their people. By integrating advanced AI technology, Rugby Australia is not only addressing current issues but also setting a precedent for future safety measures in sports.

Conclusion

Rugby Australia's adoption of the Social Protect app represents a significant advancement in the fight against online abuse. This initiative not only enhances the safety and well-being of players and staff but also reinforces the values of respect and integrity that are central to the sport of rugby.