2024-09-04 13:32:01
Faced with the negligence of social platform moderation services, a French company wants to reshape the ecosystem for combating cyberbullying.
With its friendly polar bear face and wrestler build, the logo of SafeBear is like its product: it is there to reassure. Created in 2022 by Jérémy Guillon, a 30-year-old engineer, this startup has set itself the goal of changing the situation regarding cyberbullying in France. Its solution? Stir up fear of the police, the only measure, according to them, to significantly reduce the feeling of impunity on the networks.
An AI that acts as a lookout
Its web platform, which is in early access and whose promotional campaign begins for the start of the school year, is presented as a sort of social media control panel. Users can monitor their own account or that of a loved one, on Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok and X. Thanks to AI, the slightest cyberviolence, insult or harassment is recorded, time-stamped and stored in a virtual safe. Everything is then presented in such a way as to serve as evidence that can be used for legal purposes. Emojis as well as the use of algospeech, modifications of written language intended to make hate speech or insults pass under the radar, are also taken into account.
Once these attacks are characterized, they are sent to the 3018 platform, which specializes in cyberviolence suffered by young people and which benefits from the status of “trusted flagger”, which allows content to be deleted and legal proceedings to be initiated quickly. For Lyess Meddahi, Director of Strategy at SafeBear, the platform is therefore intended to bridge two worlds that are difficult to reach: that of network moderation, considered as effective “as sweeping dust under the carpet”, and that of the police, who still have a lot of trouble considering cases of cyberbullying. The figures speak for themselves. In 2021, there were more than 1.5 million complaints and reports related to cyberviolence against only 54 convictions.
Paying to access justice?
This web platform is aimed at all Internet users, from children and their parents to influencers or political and media figures who may face online hate. And to ensure this peace of mind, it will cost up to 4 euros per month, a sum justified by the costs of developing and implementing such a tool. Even if the price of this subscription is relatively low and SafeBear’s managers are considering reducing it for families in difficulty, according to Lyess Meddahi, the implementation of this paid service raises a question: should we not simplify access to justice to defend oneself against cyberbullying rather than having to rely on paid solutions?
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Combatting Cyberbullying: A French Startup’s Innovative Approach
Cyberbullying has become a pervasive issue in today’s digital landscape, with devastating effects on individuals, particularly children and adolescents. Despite the severity of the problem, social platform moderation services have been criticized for their negligence in addressing this issue. In response, a French company called SafeBear has taken a bold step towards reshaping the ecosystem for combating cyberbullying.
A Revolutionary Solution
SafeBear, founded by 30-year-old engineer Jérémy Guillon in 2022, has developed a web platform that utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor social media accounts and detect instances of cyberbullying. This innovative solution aims to instill fear in perpetrators, thereby reducing the sense of impunity that pervades online spaces.
AI-Powered Monitoring
The web platform, currently in early access, allows users to monitor their own or a loved one’s account on popular social media platforms such as Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, and X. SafeBear’s AI engine is designed to identify and record even the slightest instances of cyberbullying, including insults, harassment, and hate speech. The AI algorithm also takes into account the use of emojis and algospeech, which are often employed to evade detection.
Evidence-Based Reporting
Once identified, the recorded incidents are stored in a virtual safe and presented in a format that can be used as evidence in legal proceedings. This enables users to report incidents to the authorities with confidence, knowing that they have concrete evidence to support their claims.
Bridging the Gap between Moderation and Justice
SafeBear’s platform seeks to bridge the gap between social media moderation and law enforcement. According to Lyess Meddahi, Director of Strategy at SafeBear, the current moderation system is akin to “sweeping dust under the carpet,” while law enforcement agencies often struggle to keep pace with the nuances of online harassment. By providing a trusted and efficient reporting mechanism, SafeBear aims to empower individuals and facilitate the prosecution of perpetrators.
The Alarming Statistics
The need for a solution like SafeBear is underscored by the alarming statistics surrounding cyberbullying. In 2021, there were over 1.5 million complaints and reports related to cyberviolence, yet only 54 convictions were secured. This stark contrast highlights the urgent need for a more effective approach to combating cyberbullying.
Paying for Access to Justice?
One potential concern regarding SafeBear’s platform is that it may be perceived as a paid service that provides access to justice. While the platform is intended for all internet users, including children, parents, influencers, and public figures, the issue of accessibility and affordability warrants consideration.
Conclusion
SafeBear’s innovative approach to combating cyberbullying offers a beacon of hope in the fight against online harassment. By leveraging AI-powered monitoring and evidence-based reporting, SafeBear’s platform has the potential to instill fear in perpetrators and empower individuals to take action against cyberbullying. As we look to the future, it is essential that we prioritize the development of solutions that address the root causes of cyberbullying and provide accessible support to those affected.
Keywords: cyberbullying, SafeBear, AI-powered monitoring, evidence-based reporting, social media moderation, law enforcement, online harassment, internet safety.
