The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) is implementing a proactive strategy to shield female players from online abuse. The organization utilizes an artificial intelligence system called Threat Matrix, established in 2023, to identify individuals behind threatening social media accounts. This system aids in investigations and can lead to legal action against perpetrators.
Last year, female players received over 12,000 abusive posts and messages on social media. The WTA’s Threat Matrix system works to identify, investigate, and take action against those responsible. Actions include reporting abusive content for removal, escalating serious cases to law enforcement, and supporting measures to prevent harm in the real world.
In response to direct messages, the WTA has provided additional support to player Jodie, including a private channel for reporting abuse and moderation to hide offensive comments before they are seen. A 2024 report indicated that angry gamblers were responsible for a significant portion of abusive posts, a trend continuing into 2025. The WTA is collaborating with gambling companies to flag and address abuse from gamblers in real time.
Mhairi Maclennan, CEO of Kyniska Advocacy, stated that more needs to be done to protect athletes generally. She noted that athletes often receive abuse, including death or rape threats, due to their public profiles and the connection between sports and betting. Maclennan emphasized the need for sports to foster a healthier relationship with betting agencies, prioritizing athlete welfare.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
