The FIA has revealed that 2,400 “severely toxic” online messages have been blocked from appearing on social media through AI utilised by the governing body.
In October, the FIA announced that it would use Arwen.ai to tackle the spread of toxicity on social media platforms.
In the latter stages of the 2022 season, F1 drivers were vocal over the abuse that is widespread on social media.
“I think social media is getting more and more toxic as the years go on – I think we should all probably get off it,” said seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton.
Speaking at the FIA Annual General Assembly on Friday, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem says that the system has already stopped thousands of toxic messages from being made public.
“Moving forward, we must be sure that motorsport and mobility is appealing to all,” he said. “That is why we have taken steps to tackle online abuse by using artificial intelligence to clean up our social media.
“Since we started using it in October, it has instantly blocked 2,400 severely toxic messages from appearing.”
Ben Sulaymen explained that the FIA is keen to work with other major bodies, including the European Union, to battle social media toxicity.
“I really want the FIA to play a lead role in reducing online abuse worldwide,” he said.
“To do this, we are conducting research and building relationships with the EU, sporting bodies, and social media companies with a goal of convening a summit to make firm commitments to stop online hate.”
Ben Sulayem highlights the FIA’s sustainability venture
Another goal that the FIA has outlined going forward is its sustainability push, which it hopes will carry over to road car use throughout the world.
In 2026, it will introduce a 100 per cent sustainable fuel, and has taken measures over the last number of years to reduce its carbon footprint.
“We must also lead in sustainability,” he said. “Our job as the FIA is to promote safe, affordable, and sustainable motor sport and mobility for all.
“That means supporting solutions that fit your members. And if we want our members to be heard. And we want to promote our vision. We must be at the top table.
“So, I am very happy to announce that for the first time ever, the FIA will officially take part in COP28 in the UAE next year.
“It is the ideal platform to showcase our strong record. We are committed to Net Zero by 2030, and we are backing that with action.
“This year we introduced F1 regulations so that by 2026 it will only use sustainable fuels. By 2030 all of our championships will use sustainable energies.
“And this year the FIA has reduced its carbon footprint by 6 per cent, beating the annual target in the Paris Agreement.”
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