Areto Labs Joins Council of Europe Task Force to Combat Hate Speech in Sport
Canadian AI firm to contribute data, research, and real-time solutions as part of EU and Council of Europe initiative
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Edmonton, Canada / Strasbourg, France — Areto Labs, a Canadian women-founded AI company dedicated to making digital spaces safer, is proud to join the Council of Europe and European Union’s task force to combat hate speech in sport. The joint project, Combating Hate Speech in Sport, aims to support national strategies and provide practical tools to reduce online and offline abuse across sport communities.
Running from January 2022 to June 2024, the initiative brings together public authorities, sport organisations, safety personnel, athletes, and supporters across Europe to address the growing threat of hate speech—particularly in digital spaces. Areto Labs has been formally recognised as a featured resource for combating online abuse through its innovative AI moderation technology, and will contribute its data, insights, and strategic guidance to help shape a safer and more inclusive sporting future.
“Hate speech online isn’t just a tech problem—it’s a human rights issue,” said Jacqueline Comer, Founder and Chief Product Officer at Areto Labs. “We're honoured to support this task force and bring evidence, tools, and lived experience to help stakeholders build strategies that are both data-driven and deeply human.”
Areto’s software scans public-facing comments on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook in real time, detecting and removing harmful content before it spreads. By analysing millions of data points, the platform reveals patterns of abuse and offers insight into how digital harm affects engagement, mental health, and participation in sport. This work is especially relevant for safeguarding athletes, referees, and sport communities across Europe.
The company will contribute to the following core areas of the project:
- Sharing real-world data on the nature and patterns of online hate in sport
- Supporting the development of national strategies and practical frameworks
- Providing recommendations to strengthen human rights-based responses
- Promoting tools that protect mental well-being and online safety for all sport participants
Areto Labs joins a growing list of experts and sport stakeholders working to address abuse in a coordinated and holistic way—through education, legislation, technology, and community-based solutions.
“We’ve seen firsthand that when online abuse goes unchecked, it drives athletes and fans away,” said Comer. “This partnership helps ensure that sport stays open, safe, and empowering—for everyone.”
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About Areto Labs
Areto Labs is a Canadian women-founded technology company and global leader in AI-driven content moderation, with offices across Canada, Europe and Oceania. Since its inception, Areto Labs has been at the forefront of tackling digital harm — pioneering world-first solutions to detect and remove hate speech, fraud and digital piracy from social media. Their proprietary moderation engine is trusted by leading sports leagues, broadcasters, rights holders, global brands, creators and public figures around the world to protect communities, strengthen engagement and create safer online environments. With a mission rooted in both technology and social impact, Areto is shaping the future of digital safety at scale. aretolabs.com
About Areto Software
Areto is an advanced AI content moderation and engagement software tool, empowering organizations to manage their social media with efficiency and control. Acting as an AI agent on autopilot, and powered by bespoke AI models, Areto gives brands, creators and public figures real-time, automated protection against harmful content and fraudulent activity, while optimizing engagement and reducing manual workloads.
Media Contacts:
Kasey Machin, Founder, Chief Operating Officer - kasey@aretolabs.com
Jacqueline Comer, Founder, Chief Product Officer jacqueline@aretolabs.com