Describing what it’s like to lead an AI startup that decodes threatening social media messages, the co-founders of Signify Group detailed one example of online abuse after another, including abuse turned real-life stalking. They also shared the nature of conversations they’ve had with athletes. They hear from a lot of female athletes who want to better protect themselves from disturbing, targeted messages.

That should come as little surprise. The more attention women’s sports generates from sponsors, advertisers, media and fans, the more female athletes face criticism, online abuse and threats to their physical safety. Particularly alarming, Signify’s data shows that female athletes receive a far greater relative number of targeted online threats than male athletes.

All of the above demands smart, proactive, collaborative action from the sports powers-that-be, companies such as Signify and social media platforms. What stands in the way of that action? Signify’s leaders said........

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