In a significant move to combat online abuse, FIFA announced that its social media tools designed to protect players will now be accessible to all 211 member associations and their teams. This initiative, developed in collaboration with the players’ union FIFPRO, aims to safeguard players from hate speech and harmful content on various social media platforms. The decision to extend the Social Media Protection Service (SMPS) comes at a crucial time, coinciding with the International Day for Countering Hate Speech.
Effectiveness and Impact of the SMPS
Since its inception at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the SMPS has been instrumental in addressing online abuse. FIFA reported that the service successfully concealed 2.6 million abusive comments from public visibility. Additionally, nearly 31,000 instances of “abusive content” were brought to the attention of social media platforms, resulting in actions such as account suspensions. The effectiveness of the SMPS was further evidenced during the 2023 Women’s World Cup, where one in five players experienced online abuse.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the importance of safeguarding all players, coaches, officials, and teams from online abuse, along with their supporters. The decision to make the SMPS available to all member associations reflects FIFA’s commitment to promoting a safe and inclusive environment for everyone involved in football. By extending the reach of the SMPS, FIFA aims to create a more secure online space for individuals associated with the sport.
Looking ahead, FIFA has outlined plans to deploy the SMPS at various upcoming events, including the Olympic Games in Paris, the under-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia, the Futsal World Cup in Uzbekistan, and the U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic. This proactive approach demonstrates FIFA’s dedication to combating online abuse and fostering a culture of respect and protection within football.
The expansion of FIFA’s Social Media Protection Service signifies a crucial step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of players in the digital realm. By leveraging social media tools to mitigate hate speech and harmful content, FIFA is actively working towards creating a more positive and secure online environment for individuals associated with the sport. Through ongoing efforts and collaborations with stakeholders, FIFA continues to champion the protection of players and uphold the values of integrity and respect within football.
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