Press Releases
MISS UNIVERSE PARTNERS WITH BODYGUARD.AI
May 1, 2023
New York, New York–The Miss Universe Organization (MUO), which oversees the annual MISS UNIVERSE competition, announces a new partnership today with AI-based online content moderation group Bodyguard AI. The partnership aims to lessen online toxicity across key Miss Universe social media accounts by using Bodyguard AI’s technology to flag, delete, and report bullying comments in real time. This innovative solution uses AI to ensure protection of the MUO events, community, and the staff who will no longer be exposed to harmful content.
“Through broadcasts in 165 countries, more than half a billion people across the world watch Miss Universe annually. We’re a global program that’s regularly in the news and is covered by dozens of popular social media accounts, across nearly a hundred different countries. We expect to deal with a fair amount of the usual online toxicity, and we know from research that women are more likely to report online sexual harassment than men - but that doesn’t mean such treatment is acceptable,” said MUO CEO Amy Emmerich. “We’re thrilled to have found a 24/7 solution to keep our channels an inspirational and enjoyable space for fans and the amazing women who make up the Miss Universe Organization.”
While Bodyguard’s AI screens out misogyny, harassment, and other forms of direct toxicity, its artificial intelligence doesn’t censor all critiques, allowing criticism that promotes healthy dialogue. The technology will be deployed on META, YouTube, and Tiktok across all MUO brand accounts including current titleholder R’Bonney Gabriel’s handles. The AI platform will flag harmful words and phrases, assess whether a message has targeted an individual, and make a recommendation according to thresholds set by internal conversations with the MUO team.
“The mental health of our delegates and titleholders is a huge concern for us,” said MUO President Paula Shugart. “Based on a sample of the messages we’ve seen over the last few years, as well as what women report globally, we felt this was a needed step to create the safest space that we can for our community and delegates.”
“For any company, social networks provide an exceptional opportunity to communicate with customers and prospects and to engage its online community, but this opportunity is constantly challenged by the toxic content that proliferates online," said Bodyguard.ai President and Co-Founder Matthieu Boutard. “We’re honored to be working with a diverse and international platform like Miss Universe to help make the internet a more humane place.”
MUO is owned by JKN Global Group Public Company Limited, a major media, content, and commerce holding company (Stock Exchange of Thailand: JKN).
About The Miss Universe Organization
The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) exists to advocate for a future forged by women and good for all. It is a global community that supports women to realize their goals through experiences that build self-confidence and create opportunities for success. MISS UNIVERSE® programs provide the 10,000 women who participate annually an international platform to affect positive change through influential humanitarian and professional efforts. The delegates and titleholders are leaders and role models in their communities; they develop personal and professional goals, and inspire others to do the same. To learn more, visit www.missuniverse.com.
About Bodyguard AI
Bodyguard.ai is a real-time moderation solution that helps organizations protect their community experience and revenues at scale, while maintaining individuals’ freedom of speech. Its technology combines contextual understanding with human accuracy to eliminate 90% of toxic and undesirable content on social networks and platforms (racism, homophobia, spam, scam, fraud, etc.). Bodyguard.ai’s moderation solution covers a wide range of use cases for its clients including leading sport institutions, gaming companies, and global brands. To learn more, visit www.bodyguard.ai.
About JKN Global Media Public Company Limited
JKN Global Group Public Company Limited and its subsidiaries are a group of companies that engage in the business of providing services and distributing copyrighted content. Our services and content have driven phenomenal ratings on various television stations and the company has successfully entered the Stock Exchange of Thailand under the name JKN. Our name stands for Jakapong Network, which is the name of our Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Jakapong Jakrajutatip. JKN Global Group Public Company Limited also sells goods and products as well as commercial time through JKN18, a digital TV channel. As we increase our footprint as a major content commerce company, we are proud to own the Miss Universe Organization and to help empower the next generation of women leaders.