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Publisher deploys artificial intelligence in fight against online abuse

A newspaper publisher is introducing artificial intelligence to help moderate online comments as part of the fight against online abuse.

Reach plc has announced a new scheme which will see AI help journalists to moderate content on their websites.

In addition, the company is also introducing new registration measures which will see readers register via email, which will be verified, or by a Facebook or Google account before they are allowed to comment on stories.

The changes, are being introduced as part of a partnership with Canadian technology firm Viafoura, will see human moderators review decisions made by the system.

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Journalists will look after content on more contentious stories and review every complaint submitted by readers across the Reach network of sites.

The changes were touted earlier this week by Nottingham Post editor Natalie Fahy, who announced comments had been temporarily switched off on its Nottinghamshire Live sister site ahead of the changes being implemented.

David Higgerson, Reach’s chief audience officer, said: “Reach is the largest commercial news publisher in the UK and our sites are a natural home for the big debates about subjects that matter.

“The aim is to encourage great debate and conversation for our diverse range of readers.”

Chief customer officer Maureen McDonagh, added: “The heart of our customer value strategy is building greater connections with our readers so we can be more relevant to them.

“More than 2.5 million people are now registered customers across Reach brands and this will help us deliver sustainable growth”.

The news system will be introduced across 51 of Reach’s national and local digital brands.

Jesse Moeinifar, Viafoura chief executive, said: “We’re very excited for Viafoura to have been selected by Reach to help power their community building and audience engagement initiatives.

“Our partnership with Reach is focused on creating new opportunities for Reach’s editorial team and readers to participate in real-time conversations that spark thoughtful discussion and debate and build new online connections.

“We look forward to helping Reach strengthen its relationship with its audience by building loyal communities of engaged readers.”