LAUSANNE, Switzerland, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- The International Skating Union (ISU) signed the United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) Charter and extended its Cyber Protection program for another two years to protect skaters from online abuse, the world skating governing body announced on Friday.
ISU President Kim Jae-youl signed the Charter at the ISU office in Lausanne on World Mental Health Day. He said, "Sport is at its best when it is accessible to all and when there is no barrier to participation. From grassroots to the elite, it is our responsibility to defend athletes against abuse which plagues the sporting environment and that is why we have strengthened our actions with this important agreement with United Against Online Abuse."
Founded by the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) in 2023, the UAOA aims to foster safer digital environments for sport. The Cyber Protection program is designed to protect athletes as they face greater online exposure amid the sport's continued digital transformation.
"Social media has become an essential part of athletes' lives to connect with fans, share their stories and build their careers, increased visibility also exposes them to harmful comments, harassment and abuse. The athletes unanimously highlighted that active protection in the digital environment is an increasingly important part of athlete welfare," the ISU said. ■
