Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, the ICC just rolled out this new software to make social media a safer space. Here they want to protect players and fans from ‘all the toxic stuff’ you usually see online — hate speech, harassment and all the rest of the nasty stuff. Really, it’s just about creating a healthier cricket online community, which is great if you think about it. Mental health matters, right?
The ICC’s statement on the first day of the tournament says this program’s chief objective is to create a more positive and inclusive environment for everyone that’s involved. That’s already over 60 players who have already signed on, and that should be saying a lot about how needed this is.
Now, here’s where it gets cool: This UK based company called GoBubble, has teamed up with the ICC. The mix of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and honest-to-goodness human moderators on the ball over the comments on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. In this system, things like misogynistic or hateful remarks are noticed, and are never allowed to go to the players or teams. That literally is a protective shield, it filters and determines the good before people can see it.
Simply put, this software removes harmful comments from their social media accounts for the players, so they can concentrate on the game without the clutter of online noise.
Finn Bradshaw, ICC’s head of digital, said: “We’re doing this because we’re committed to creating a welcoming space for everyone connected with the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.” I think the players are actually getting into it so good.
For an example, take South Africa wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta. The protection from toxic comments is “huge,” she said. Social media can, she said, take a heavy toll on players, as can a World Cup. “There’s always a negative comment about you after you’ve had a game as a win or lose,” she said. For younger players ‘don’t look’ doesn’t work when you tell them. It’s social media, it’s their job. Now, with this protection, with the things they can share and all they can gain from that, they can share their lives without that fear of being criticized.
Jafta is hoping this will make things better. She added: ‘It’s nice to see people being people, being who they really are.’
Bangladesh take on Scotland in Sharjah at 2 PM local time (10 AM GMT), with Pakistan and Sri Lanka immediately following at 6 PM local time in Dubai. The final showdown? October 20th also happening in Dubai! This is going to be an epic competition and now with this new initiative the players can dedicate more of their energy into the game instead of the negativity.
Also Read: Pakistan Women vs South Africa Women Squads and Details