In just over two months, athletes from hundreds of countries will gather in Paris for the highly anticipated 2024 Summer Olympics. Due to the COVID-delayed 2020 Summer Olympics, athletes had a shortened window to prepare for this year’s event. As competitors gear up for their chance to secure a coveted medal, those responsible for overseeing the two-week event are focusing on defending against cybersecurity threats, which have become increasingly sophisticated in recent years. Blackbird.AI has developed an AI-based platform called Constellation that efficiently identifies and analyzes narratives derived from disinformation to provide clarity and aid in critical decision-making. This technology plays a crucial role in safeguarding the integrity of the Olympic Games.
A narrative attack is defined as any assertion that has the potential to cause serious harm by influencing perceptions in the information ecosystem. These attacks can lead to financial loss and reputational damage, particularly if driven by misinformation. Blackbird.AI’s Constellation Dashboard offers a real-time view of narrative attacks as they escalate and become harmful. The platform assesses various forms of content, including text, images, and memes, across multiple platforms and languages. This multifaceted approach is essential for monitoring and combating disinformation that could impact the safety and security of the Olympics.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has emphasized the responsible use of AI in sports, citing its potential for talent identification, personalized training, improved judging fairness, and athlete protection. IOC President Thomas Bach highlighted the importance of leveraging AI to enhance the uniqueness and relevance of the Olympic Games while setting an example of responsible technological innovation. With billions of dollars at stake through the sale of broadcast rights, the IOC is keen on harnessing AI to combat online harassment, enhance the viewing experience for global audiences, and ensure a safe and fair competition environment for athletes.
Blackbird.AI’s intelligence platform, Constellation, has been instrumental in identifying and analyzing online harmful conversations surrounding the Paris Olympics. By focusing on the June and July 2023 time frames, the platform assessed high-risk narratives targeting the French government, France in general, and the International Olympic Committee. These findings shed light on foreign actors engaged in disinformation campaigns aimed at undermining France’s hosting capabilities for the Olympics. Through Viginum, the operational arm of the French government, President Emmanuel Macron initiated measures to counteract destabilizing operations and strengthen the country’s defense against digital foreign interference leading up to the Olympics.
The Summer Olympics, scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11, will serve as a showcase of athletic excellence, sportsmanship, and global unity. As athletes from around the world compete for glory, it is paramount that organizers and stakeholders remain vigilant against cybersecurity threats and disinformation campaigns that could jeopardize the integrity and safety of the event. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and innovative technology such as Blackbird.AI’s Constellation platform, the Olympic community can adapt to the evolving digital landscape and safeguard the values of fair play, inclusivity, and mutual respect that define the spirit of the Games. With a shared commitment to responsible innovation, the IOC, athletes, and partners are poised to deliver a memorable and successful Paris Olympics that inspire and unite audiences worldwide.
