Social media on mobile phone Photo: JONATHAN RAA
World Rugby has announced it will implement measures to protect players, coaches and officials from online abuse during the World Cup.
The international body says any abusive language could lead to bans or the involvement of law enforcement agencies.
The scheme will include real-time monitoring on key platforms including X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
The coverage will be in more than 30 languages and include images and emojis.
World Rugby has partnered with data science company Signify Group to provide the service which utilises AI and open source forensic investigation techniques to protect individuals from online abuse.
World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin said.
"Rugby is a sport for everyone and we take our responsibility very seriously to make the sport as inclusive, accessible and relevant as possible.
"This includes sending a strong message that online hate simply will not be tolerated, tackling abuse and harmful content with meaningful action."
In a statement World Rugby says the service will include.
* Proactive real-time monitoring from open-source data on key platforms including X [formerly Twitter] and Instagram across the tournament
* Coverage in over 30 languages including images and emojis
* Daily reporting of abusive content and accounts to platforms to ensure appropriate action is taken
* Expedite abusive content take-down/sanctioning of account holders - where platform community guidelines are evidenced to have been broken
* Provide evidence to national associations to ban individuals from domestic and international rugby events
* Most egregious cases have the potential to be reported to relevant law enforcement agencies and an ability to unmask the worst abusers who hide behind 'fake' accounts.
- RNZ