WNBA's Chicago Sky Incorporates Threat Detection Technology First among Teams
In a groundbreaking move, the Chicago Sky, one of the most prominent teams in women's basketball, has partnered with Moonshot, an online safety company, to address the growing issue of online abuse and threats against female athletes, particularly those from marginalized groups such as women of colour and LGBTQIA+ players.
The collaboration, the first of its kind in the WNBA, aims to create a safer online environment for all involved in the sport. By leveraging advanced threat monitoring technology similar to that used in national security, Moonshot will monitor threats on both mainstream social media platforms and the dark web, ensuring a comprehensive approach to identifying and addressing potential sources of online abuse.
The partnership's key components include threat monitoring, proactive response, and support for marginalized groups. By identifying and assessing threats early, the Sky and Moonshot can take proactive measures to mitigate the impact of online abuse, such as removing harmful content and providing support to affected players and staff. The initiative also acknowledges the disproportionate amount of online harassment faced by women of colour and LGBTQIA+ athletes and seeks to create a safer online environment specifically for those who are most targeted.
The primary goal of the partnership is to enhance safety, allowing players and coaches to focus on their sport without the burden of online abuse, promoting a safer and more inclusive environment for everyone involved. By actively tackling online hate and harassment, the partnership seeks to reduce its prevalence, making sports more enjoyable for both players and fans.
Moonshot, with its experience working with Olympic teams, NCAA programs, and tech companies like Google and Spotify, will play a crucial role in the partnership. The company will identify and remove harmful content, track emerging threats, and help reduce risks before they escalate.
The Chicago Sky's rising profile, including the addition of star player Angel Reese, has led to an increase in targeted online abuse. Co-owner and operating chairman of the Chicago Sky, Nadia Rawlinson, stated that the partnership is about proactively tackling online hate, harassment, and abuse. The partnership represents a significant step towards combating online abuse in women's sports, particularly for those who are most vulnerable to it.
The Chicago Sky's partnership with Moonshot is a testament to the team's commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all involved in the sport. The collaboration is designed to allow players and coaches to focus on the game of basketball and delight fans around the world.
- Following the partnership with Moonshot, a pioneering step in the WNBA, the Chicago Sky will apply cybersecurity technology to combat online abuse in women's basketball, particularly targeting marginalized groups like women of color and LGBTQIA+ players.
- In an initiative that acknowledges the increased online harassment faced by female athletes, the collaboration between the Chicago Sky and Moonshot aims to cultivate a safer online environment, utilizing technology similar to that used in national security.
- Leveraging Moonshot's expertise in monitoring threats across various platforms, the Chicago Sky endeavors to minimize online hate and harassment, empowering players and coaches to concentrate on their professional sports journey without the burden of cyberbullying.
