Technology detecting online hate in development at Uni of Warwick

The new models can work 20 times faster than humans

Author: Alice SmithPublished 19th Jul 2024

A new technology to detect hate comments online is being developed by researchers at the University of Warwick.

They say the models can analyse text conversations and instances of online hate speech, and will help detect violence against women and girls and exchanges between drug dealers.

Tests have shown the technology can work more than 20 times faster than humans in processing text and identifying relevant evidence.

Gabriele Pergola, a Professor in computer science at the university, tells us the faster technology can help clear police backlogs and free up more time for other cases.

"At the moment there are more than 20,000 devices waiting to be analysed.

"Speeding up this process can help officers to spend time on more cases and be more effective in their work," he says.

Gabriele says the technology can analyse more subtle threats and help the victims of online hate speech.

"It will improve the relationship between victims and the police because victims will need to hand over less personal data to build a stronger case."

He says this is just a first trial, but is an important step towards the future use of the technology.

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