The Japanese delegation participating in the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics has reported the detection of approximately 62,000 abusive posts aimed at its athletes and team members since January 18. This alarming figure has arisen amidst a particularly intense wave of online harassment directed at one athlete, who withdrew from the Olympics due to injury before competing. The Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) indicated that it has made requests for the removal of 1,055 harmful posts, with 198 of those posts already taken down by social media platforms.

In a press conference held in Milan, Hidehito Ito, head of the Japanese delegation, emphasized the severe impact of harmful words on the dignity and energy of athletes, calling on individuals to cease such behavior immediately. This acknowledgment from the JOC highlights the ongoing challenges faced by athletes, particularly in the digital age where online harassment can escalate rapidly, influencing not just the emotional and mental well-being of individuals but potentially affecting their performance at significant events such as the Olympics.

In response to this severe situation, the Japanese Olympic Committee has established a specialized team of 22 members, including experts and legal advisors, tasked with monitoring social media and news platforms 24/7. This team employs artificial intelligence technologies to swiftly identify abusive content and expedite its removal, illustrating a proactive approach in addressing online harassment and ensuring a safer atmosphere for athletes during their Olympic participation.