Context:

During the NCAA's March Madness basketball tournaments, a decrease in online abuse related to sports betting was observed compared to the previous year, although more than 3,000 threatening messages were still received by participants. The NCAA employed the Signify Group to monitor and confirm threats using artificial intelligence and human analysts, leading to a 23% reduction in betting-related abuse. Despite the reduction, abuse overall increased by 140% in the men's tournament, primarily targeting selection committee members and coaches, while the women's tournament saw an 83% decrease in abuse. Female players, such as Chandler Prater, were targeted with hateful messages, highlighting the ongoing challenge of online harassment. Measures were taken to report and remove abusive content, and NCAA President Charlie Baker emphasized prioritizing efforts to curb online harassment in future events.

Dive Deeper:

• Online abuse related to sports betting during the NCAA's March Madness tournaments decreased by 23% compared to the previous year, yet participants received over 3,000 threatening messages.

• The NCAA engaged the Signify Group to monitor online messages aimed at athletes, coaches, officials, and others, utilizing AI and human analysts to verify threats and report them to law enforcement when necessary.

• In the men's tournament, overall abusive statements increased by 140%, with much of the abuse directed at the selection committee and coaches, despite a 36% reduction in sports betting-related abuse.

• The women's tournament experienced an 83% decline in abuse, with sports betting-related abuse decreasing by 66%, indicating a disparity in the nature of abuse between the men's and women's events.

• Chandler Prater of Mississippi State, among others, was targeted with hateful and abusive messages, particularly after an incident involving a Southern California player's injury, underscoring the personal impact of online harassment.

• Signify's analysis flagged over 54,000 posts, with 3,161 confirmed as abusive or threatening and subsequently reported to social media platforms and law enforcement, leading to the removal of posts and account restrictions.

• NCAA President Charlie Baker is committed to reducing online harassment, and Signify anticipates further reduction in betting-related abuse at future events, aiming to mitigate triggers for the most severe threats.