The work journalists and media workers do is extremely valuable, particularly in these digital times, when information spreads fast. They work so that the world can have access to free and reliable stories. Sadly, this kind of job comes with a risk as well, as the threats and targeted attacks on journalists are on the rise. The Thomson Reuters Foundation (TRF), Thomson Reuters’ corporate foundation, comes to the aid of media practitioners, enabling them to protect themselves from online harassment by using its newly launched tool, TRFilter.
Developed in partnership with Google’s Jigsaw — a team who works on keeping people safer online — the filter represents “the first tool for journalists and media practitioners to document and manage online harassment and abuse.” Basically, the application works for the benefit of the journalists, providing them with the equipment they need to keep online abusive comments away.
With the help of the TRFilter, media practitioners are in control, as the web app allows users to filter online content. The tool syncs with the user’s Twitter account and, thanks to machine learning technology, it automatically spots and flags online violence. It works as a shield of protection, limiting journalists’ exposure to such abusive behavior online by enabling them to hide, block, or mute accounts at scale. The tool also allows media workers to create reports, which can be downloaded and even shared with third parties as needed.
While the problem affects many journalists, the issue disproportionately affects females. Around three-quarters of women media practitioners have faced online violence, with threats including physical and sexual violence and even death threats. Targeted at silencing the reporters, this form of abuse is fueling psychological or physical harm and self-censorship. To get rid of the abuse and protect themselves, the workers are recommended to either limit their social media activity, or reach out to a third party’s support to help them filter the harmful content.
Commenting on the initiative, Chief Executive Officer of the Thomson Reuters Foundation, Antonio Zappulla, explained: “Journalists’ mission of accurate and independent reporting is integral to the survival of a democratic society. It is imperative they have access to practical solutions that match the rapid evolution of the digital and legal warfare used to silence them.”
“The Foundation’s extensive experience of collaboration with global partners, combined with our unique ability to leverage the twin engines of media and the law, places us at the center of international expertise to support media freedom and defend human rights. We will continue to work tirelessly to protect journalists and the future of independent media, to strengthen free, fair, and informed societies,” Zappulla adds.
TRF has been working for more than three decades on strengthening the ecosystem for independent media around the globe. The TRFilter represents the latest initiative the charity — in collaboration with partners — has developed to give journalists a helping hand in continuing doing their work of reporting the truth and also protecting them from being persecuted.
The journalists who would like to try the TRFilter can go to a webpage TRF has developed especially for the tool. The platform offers information about the project, how to register, and how the web application works.
Credits:
Project: TRFilter