In response to a surge in online abuse targeting match officials and players, World Rugby has declared its intention to pursue legal action against trolls in at least five different countries. This decision comes following a wave of social media attacks directed at various individuals involved in the sport, including death threats and other forms of abusive behaviour.
English referee Wayne Barnes, who faced an onslaught of “vile” death threats after officiating the World Cup final, was among those targeted by online trolls. The abuse extended to his family, with his wife receiving threats of sexual violence. As a result of the relentless attacks, Barnes chose to step back from his role, a decision echoed by Tom Foley, the television match official from the same final, who cited the “torrent of criticism and abuse” as his reason for turning away from international rugby.
The situation has become increasingly dire, as England captain Owen Farrell has also opted to take a break from the Test arena due to similar mistreatment, while his teammate Tom Curry has been subjected to online death threats. In light of these distressing developments, Kyle Sinckler expressed his concern that more international players may follow suit, suggesting that this may only mark the beginning of a troubling trend.
In a proactive move to address the issue, World Rugby has partnered with data science company Signify Group to identify and pursue legal action against online abusers. Leveraging an AI-driven Threat Matrix service, the global governing body of rugby has been able to unmask and pinpoint these perpetrators, signalling a significant breakthrough in the battle against online abuse.
A spokesperson for World Rugby emphasised that the aim is not to stifle free speech or constructive criticism, but to protect individuals and their families from harmful and threatening behaviour, including racial, sexual, and discriminatory threats. By collaborating with law enforcement agencies, World Rugby is determined to bring these abusers to justice, sending a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated.
While the process of seeking legal recourse against these offenders may be lengthy, World Rugby remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding the well-being of its officials and players. The spokesperson also noted that even those who hide behind aliases on social media platforms can be identified and held accountable for their actions.
Although the prevalence of online abuse extends beyond the realm of sports, World Rugby’s decisive action sets an important precedent for addressing this pervasive issue. By taking a firm stand against online abuse, the organization aims to serve as a powerful deterrent to those who partake in such unacceptable behaviour.
In conclusion, World Rugby’s proactive approach in pursuing legal action against online abusers marks a pivotal step in confronting the alarming trend of social media abuse. Through collaboration with law enforcement and data science experts, the organization is demonstrating its unwavering commitment to protecting its members from harmful and threatening behaviour. As the battle against online abuse continues, World Rugby’s resolute stance serves as a beacon of hope in the broader fight against digital harassment and misconduct.