The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), Tennis Data Innovations (TDI), and Sportradar have joined forces to introduce Safe Sport, a pioneering service aimed at tackling the growing issue of online abuse faced by professional tennis players. This article explores the significance of this initiative, the technologies involved, and its expected impact on the tennis community.
ATP, TDI, and Sportradar Launch Safe Sport to Combat Online Abuse in Tennis
Overview of Safe Sport
Purpose and Importance
Safe Sport is designed to protect professional tennis players from online abuse by leveraging advanced technologies and comprehensive services. This initiative underscores the increasing importance of safeguarding athletes’ mental health and well-being in the digital age.
Target Audience
The service is available to the Top 250 ATP singles players and the Top 50-ranked doubles players. Participation in the Safe Sport program is optional and provided at no cost to the players.
Technologies and Services Utilized
AI Technology
Sportradar and its partner Arwen AI supply the AI technology for Safe Sport. This AI tool scans players’ social media for abusive comments, bots, and spam, automatically hiding flagged messages in 29 languages. Arwen AI processes 600,000 comments daily, protecting users on platforms including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, X (Twitter), and TikTok.
Moderation and Investigation
Sportradar’s intelligence analysts investigate comments containing threats or criminal content, identifying those responsible and ensuring accountability for online actions.
Educational Materials
Players have access to a range of educational materials designed to help them handle online abuse, maintain online integrity, and mitigate online risks.
Key Figures and Statements
ATP Director of Safeguarding
Andrew Azzopardi, ATP Director of Safeguarding, emphasized the importance of the initiative: “The ATP is committed to safeguarding players and their well-being. This includes taking a proactive stance against online abuse, which has become a very important issue in the lives of modern athletes. This collaboration will ensure that tennis is playing its part in tackling this issue and shining a light on the effects that harmful online discourse can have on our communities.”
Sportradar Integrity Services EVP
Andreas Krannich, Sportradar Integrity Services EVP, highlighted the comprehensive nature of the Safe Sport solution: “We’re bringing together AI-driven auto-moderation, education, and investigative services for the first time. The Safe Sport solution offers players better protection from online harm, representing a significant leap forward in safeguarding mental and physical well-being, enabling them to concentrate on delivering their best performances.”
Background and Context
Partnership with TDI
The launch of Safe Sport is part of Sportradar’s multi-year partnership with TDI, announced in December. Sportradar provides the ATP with data, streaming rights, and media data rights for the ATP Tour and ATP Challenger Tour.
Conclusion: The Collaboration
The collaboration between ATP, TDI, and Sportradar in launching Safe Sport represents a significant step forward in protecting professional tennis players from online abuse. By combining advanced AI technology, investigative services, and educational resources, this initiative aims to create a safer and more supportive environment for athletes.
FAQs About the Collaboration between ATP, TDI, and Sportradar
1. What is Safe Sport?
Safe Sport is a service designed to protect professional tennis players from online abuse using AI technology, moderation, investigation, and educational resources.
2. Who can access Safe Sport?
The service is available to the Top 250 ATP singles players and the Top 50-ranked doubles players on an opt-in basis.
3. How does Safe Sport’s AI technology work?
The AI tool scans players’ social media for abusive comments, bots, and spam, automatically hiding flagged messages in 29 languages.
4. What platforms are protected by Safe Sport?
It protects users on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, X (Twitter), and TikTok.
5. Who investigates abusive comments?
Sportradar’s intelligence analysts investigate comments containing threats or criminal content to identify and hold responsible those behind the abuse.
