FIFA and FIFPRO join forces to combat online abuse towards players

by | Jun 18, 2023

FIFA and FIFPRO have teamed up to create a groundbreaking initiative aimed at protecting players from abusive, discriminatory, or threatening social media posts. The Social Media Protection Service (SMPS) is an innovative tool that uses two layers of human analysis and specialist artificial intelligence to scan over 20 million posts and comments on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube throughout the men’s tournament in Qatar.

The SMPS aims to provide a safe online environment for players and to eradicate online abuse from the game. Developed by FIFA and FIFPRO, the SMPS will be offered to all teams at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, which will be held in Australia and New Zealand from July 20-Aug. 20. However, several teams in this year’s Women’s World Cup have agreed to implement the moderation element of the service immediately.

Online abuse of players has become a growing concern for FIFA and FIFPRO in recent years. During the men’s tournament in Qatar, the quarter-final between England and France saw the largest spike in abuse. However, the SMPS identified and removed over 20,000 comments containing harmful content during the tournament. The tool identified that 36% of identifiable abuse came from South America, and 38% of identifiable abuse came from accounts based in Europe.

The SMPS is more than just a tool; it is a statement of intent. It shows that FIFA and FIFPRO are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all players. The SMPS is a tool that can be used to protect players from online abuse, but it’s also a tool that can be used to educate fans and change attitudes towards online abuse.

The success of the SMPS will depend on the support it receives from fans around the world. It is essential that fans understand the impact that online abuse can have on players and the game itself. The SMPS is not about censorship but about creating a safe and enjoyable online environment for all.

The SMPS is a groundbreaking initiative that could change the face of social media and online abuse. It’s designed to protect players, but its impact could be felt far beyond the world of football. The SMPS could be used to create a safer and more inclusive online environment for all. It could be used to challenge hate speech and discrimination in all areas of society.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino believes that discrimination is a criminal act, and the SMPS is a step towards creating a safe and inclusive environment for all. He hopes that the SMPS will help to eradicate online abuse from the game and provide players with the support they need.

The SMPS is a joint initiative between FIFA and FIFPRO, aimed at protecting players from online abuse. Harmful content will be hidden from the players, and the tool is designed to provide a safe and enjoyable online environment for them.

In conclusion, the SMPS is a groundbreaking initiative that aims to protect players from abusive, discriminatory, or threatening social media posts. It’s a tool that helps identify perpetrators of online abuse, and they are reported to the authorities for punishment. The SMPS is a statement of intent, showing that FIFA and FIFPRO are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all players.

The rise of online abuse towards players is a growing concern, and the SMPS is a step towards tackling this issue. It’s crucial that fans support this initiative and understand its significance in providing a safe and enjoyable online environment for all. The SMPS is more than just a tool to protect players; it’s a tool to educate and change attitudes towards online abuse. It’s a statement of intent that shows the commitment of FIFA and FIFPRO towards creating a safer and more inclusive world for players and all individuals.