Japan begins 24-hr social media monitoring at Milan Cortina Games

The Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) has started monitoring social media 24 hours a day to protect Japanese athletes from online abuse during the Milan Cortina Olympic Games. This is the first time the JOC has opened a local office at an overseas Olympics to handle this issue.

A team of six staff members in Italy and 16 in Japan are working together to find abusive or defamatory posts about Japanese Olympians. The operation uses artificial intelligence (AI) to detect posts with harmful language, which are then reviewed by staff.

If a post is considered highly malicious, the JOC asks social media companies to remove it. Since mid-January, the committee has requested the removal of about 380 posts, and dozens of them have already been deleted.

Figure skater Kao Miura spoke about the problem, saying that online abuse and hurtful messages are unacceptable and can emotionally harm athletes. He emphasized that such comments can make people feel sad or hurt.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is also monitoring social media in real time, especially focusing on AI-edited images of athletes. The JOC and IOC are working together to ensure athletes feel safe and can perform at their best.

Source : https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260205/p2g/00m/0sp/004000c

Comprehension

What is the Japanese Olympic Committee monitoring during the Olympics?
Why is this operation important for Japanese athletes?
How does the JOC use artificial intelligence in this effort?
What action does the JOC take when a post is considered highly malicious?
Which athlete spoke publicly about online abuse?

Discussion

Why do you think athletes are often targets of online abuse?
How can online comments affect an athlete’s performance and mental health?
Do you agree that social media posts should be removed if they are abusive? Why or why not?
What role can technology like AI play in creating safer online spaces?
Should sports organizations be responsible for protecting athletes online?
How is online abuse handled in your country or community?
Do you think monitoring social media limits freedom of speech? Explain.
What advice would you give athletes dealing with online criticism?

Vocabulary

Abusive – using cruel or hurtful words
Defaming – damaging someone’s reputation with false statements
Derogatory – showing disrespect or criticism
Malicious – intended to harm someone
Scrutiny – close and careful examination