Supporting Eni Aluko against Online Abuse

We are proud to announce that we have been supporting broadcaster Eni Aluko in her campaign against online abuse.

Signify’s Threat Matrix social media protection service has been supporting Eni in detecting, reporting, and investigating abusive and threatening social media content targeting her directly.

Within the first 24 hours of Threat Matrix going live, our service had already identified a number of perpetrators, including individuals behind particularly poisonous ‘anonymous’ accounts, and reported these to the relevant platforms. In addition, Signify have been compiling evidence packs and working with Eni’s legal representatives on the most egregious cases in order to facilitate further enforcement action.

Eni Aluko commented:

“I hugely appreciate Signify’s technology, input, and support. These abusers need to understand that there are consequences for their actions, that they cannot hide, and they will be held accountable.

“Whilst I would of course prefer not to enter this battle and instead focus on the game I love, I have realised that change can only come about by confronting the abusers head on and holding them accountable creating a deterrent change in behaviour towards others online. We have seen in recent weeks the stark reality that online abuse and discrimination can cause significant real-world harm.  I join the police and the government in ensuring accountability and consequences for abusers including criminal charges, civil litigation, and other real-world consequences.

“This is a necessary road I am willing to travel, especially if it demonstrates to the world that this kind of behaviour is not acceptable in sport, online, or in society more widely. I want to use my platform to change the current climate for so many young people and women who have suffered online abuse and bullying but do not have the means to fight back.

“I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to many who have supported me online and continue to do so. It has given me a lot of positive energy to keep going and it has truly meant the world to me.”

Jonathan Hirshler, CEO of Signify Group added:

“Many of you will know the personal challenges Eni has faced from being the target of poisonous racist and misogynistic online abuse for several years. We have been working with Eni to illustrate how this problem has increased in the last year due to Eni’s highly publicised recent legal case and her visibility in a broadcast capacity. Understanding the tactics and patterns behind these behaviours has allowed us to support her by taking action in capturing, evidencing and reporting the abuse.

“We know that this constant stream of abuse has at times made Eni feel desperately alone, exposed, and concerned for her personal safety. We cannot continue to allow abusers to act online without consequence. Signify Group have therefore partnered with Eni to protect her and help drive significant positive change in the online space by showing that abusers can and will be identified, and face consequences.”

For more information on Threat Matrix and how we support athletes, clubs, global sports organisations, please visit Threat Matrix.