Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making its presence felt across all facets and fields of contemporary life. For instance, a new AI-based monitoring service will protect athletes and officials from online abuse at both the Olympic and Paralympic Games, scheduled in Paris from July 26 to August 11, 2024.
The 2024 Paris Olympics will mark the first time AI is used to foster safe online environments at such a large multi-sport event. This initiative is part of the Artificial Intelligence Olympic Agenda, which highlights the anticipated impact of AI on the entire Olympic movement. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is showcasing how AI can enhance safety in sports.
Enhancing Athlete Safety with Real-Time AI Monitoring
The AI-powered system will monitor thousands of accounts in real-time across all major social platforms and in over 35 languages. Any threats identified will be flagged, allowing abusive messages to be efficiently "handled" by the relevant social media platforms—often before the athlete even sees a potential abuse.
The system will not only prioritize the safety and well-being of athletes during the Games but also assist the IOC and the Medical and Scientific Commission in better understanding the challenges athletes face with online followers. This will enable further enhancements in athlete protection at future events.
"Sports and social media are inseparably linked. We expect about half a billion posts about the Paris Olympics. There are tremendous opportunities for athlete engagement, but unfortunately, online violence is inevitable. This presents a challenge for us, as a safe sports environment must also mean a safe digital space," Olympic officials stated.
The online monitoring system will be available for 15,000 athletes and over 2,000 officials at the Olympic and Paralympic Games and will be an integral part of a "safety systems package" to ensure a safe environment both online and offline during the Games. This initiative supports and promotes the physical and mental health and well-being of athletes, allowing them to focus on their performance in the biggest event of their sports careers.
"This is the first time such a solution will be used to protect so many people across so many sports. Using AI, we will better understand online violence in sports and develop data-driven strategies and interventions to create physically and psychologically safe environments for athletes," officials added.
Unlocking AI's Potential in Sports
But what exactly is AI? This burgeoning field of computer science focuses on technologies that mimic human intelligence—AI systems have become increasingly widespread in recent years, although scientists have been attempting to build artificial intelligence since the dawn of computing.
The main approach has involved creating large databases of facts and rules, and then developing computer programs based on logic so that "machines" can make decisions. However, this decade has seen a shift toward new approaches that enable computers to learn facts and rules through data analysis, leading to significant advancements in fields ranging from breast cancer detection in medical imaging to the complex games of Chess and Go, and even protein structure prediction.
If you're interested in understanding the impact of Artificial Intelligence on both the present and the future, you can attend AI Expo Europe in Bucharest at Radisson Blu on October 6-7. This major conference in Central and Eastern Europe will bring together professionals, leaders, innovators, "dreamers, thinkers & doers," mentors, and business people in a unique event of this industry-changing world.
"AI Expo Europe is as much about Artificial Intelligence at this moment as it is about the direction we are heading! With a wide range of topics from the marvels of AI to critical issues such as data security, AI Expo Europe will bring together dozens of experts from Europe and around the world in a project aimed at decrypting the future of the industry. Here, people from all over the world will connect, find inspiration, and perhaps, a brilliant idea for a successful future business. Participants at the conference will meet and connect with industry leaders, engage in workshops, seminars, or even reset their careers," says Ruxandra Tătaru, co-founder and CEO of the event.
For more information, to purchase tickets or promotional packages, click here: www.aiexpoeurope.com
Under the slogan "Transforming tomorrow, today," the event will bring under one roof:
- Industry leaders discussing cutting-edge applications and the future of artificial intelligence;
- Interactive exhibitions showcasing the latest practical services and innovations brought by AI;
- Networking events in the VIP lounge with industry leaders and partners, as well as a gala ceremony.
Discussion topics will be broad, ranging from education to ecology, from legal matters to deep societal changes, from architecture and urbanism to art, and particularly focusing on the impact on future professions and potentially answering the big question: will AI take our jobs?
The event will serve as both a dynamic and comprehensive platform for education and an excellent opportunity for networking and developing new business opportunities.