The FIA's United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) initiative, launched in 2023, is intensifying its fight against online toxicity in F1 and broader motorsport, nearing its first prosecution.
Why it matters: Online abuse is a critical and escalating threat. Drivers face sexual deep fakes, death threats, and doxxing, impacting careers, sponsorships, and mental health. FIA reports indicate 50% of abuse is misogynistic or racist, with 90% of federations believing it could force athletes out of the sport. Officials and journalists are also targets.
The details:
- Tracking and Prosecution: UAOA uses metadata and open-source data to identify anonymous abusers. They are actively pursuing legal action, citing precedents of 12-week to four-year convictions for hate speech. This aims to set a public example.
- Tech and Support: Social media platforms are developing AI to filter hate speech. The FIA is creating a response model for teams, available this year, and offers safeguarding support for victims.
- Global Reach: The UAOA coalition now includes 70 members and 10 governments globally, crucial for enacting change. While engaging major social media platforms like X remains challenging, collaboration with others (e.g., TikTok) is ongoing.
- Abuser Demographics: Abuse comes from diverse groups, not just a specific demographic linked to Drive to Survive. It's a pervasive issue reflecting broader digital trends.
What's next: Funded until July 2028, UAOA will focus on direct driver support and publicizing successful prosecutions. The FIA's clear message to abusers: "Our attention is on it, and we are responding in multiple ways." The goal is to embed strong anti-abuse measures across all motorsport organizations.