As part of a concerted effort to address the issue of online abuse throughout the motor sport community, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is partnering with Artificial Intelligence experts Arwen.ai.

Through the collaboration, Arwen.ai is implementing its AI-enabled content moderation platform to help the FIA detect and reduce growing levels of unwanted content on its social channels. A successful trial has already been completed.

The partnership is a key component of a wider campaign to be launched by the FIA in the coming weeks. The FIA has entered into dialogue with social media platforms, governments and fellow sports governing bodies in a commitment to joint action. 

Research will also be commissioned via the FIA University into digital hate and toxic commentary specific to sport. This will provide a platform for knowledge sharing, education and prevention.

The FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has called for direct action against the scourge of online abuse and in particular 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.”

Matt McGrory is the CEO of Arwen AI Ltd, a company that uses Artificial Intelligence tools to help businesses address the problems of abusive and unwanted content on social media.  

Arwen has worked with the Mercedes AMG, Oracle Red Bull and BWT Alpine F1 teams and with drivers including George Russell.

As a result of implementing Arwen AI, Mercedes AMG F1 Team saw toxic comments on their social channels reduced by 70%. This contributed to a safer and more inclusive online community, where 29.4% of followers felt more confident to comment – no longer put off by unsavoury content.

Matt McGrory: “As a business Arwen.ai is committed to tackling the ever-increasing issue of online hate speech. No organisation or its employees should be subjected to abuse, which can have a detrimental impact both personally and professionally.

“We look forward to helping FIA take positive action by removing these posts across their social channels and not allowing toxicity to negatively impact the organisation and the motor sport community as a whole.

“Personally, I am proud to be extending our relationship in motor sport by partnering with the FIA.”

The FIA will mobilise its 244 motoring and sporting organisations in 146 countries on 5 continents and encourage media, teams, drivers and fans to take a stand.

Further details of the FIA campaign will be revealed by the FIA President at the 2022 FIA Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix later this month.