We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands across Australia and pay our respects to Elders past and present. The AI Ally project recognizes the significant and disproportionate rates of harm and abuse Indigenous Australians experience in online spaces. In our work towards creating safer digital environments, we commit to listening, learning from, and amplifying Indigenous voices and perspectives.

AI Ally is a University of Melbourne project partnered with Girl Geek Academy and funded by the eSafety Commissioner.

WE’RE AIMING TO CREATE a tool that can help make the online world better for girls, young women, and gender-diverse individuals

HOW CAN AI play A ROLE in online communities in ways we haven't thought about beforE?

We can’t do it without your help! check out our recruitment page for ways to get involved

  • "AI Ally" has two important goals: One is to actually make a tool that can help make the online world better for girls, young women, and gender-diverse individuals. The other is to learn about how AI can play a role in online communities in ways we haven't thought about before.

    Dr Lucy Sparrow, Chief Investigator

  • this project builds on previous research in gendered online harassment, AI moderation ethics, AI software development, and youth co-design. there's so much opportunity here and i'm so excited at what's possible in this space.

    Dr Mahli-Ann Butt, Chief Investigator and Project Lead

  • ’AI Ally’ will act as an ‘upstander’ against online abuse in real time by detecting abuse, offering support to victims, challenging abusers, and linking users to human moderators.

    eSafety “Preventing Tech-based Abuse Grant Program” Recipient

FAQs

  • To develop AI software to combat online harassment co-designed with girls, young women, and gender-diverse individuals (aged 14-25) living in Australia.

  • Think of AI Ally as a friendly account you can 'add' or 'follow' on social media platforms. It will act as an ‘upstander’ and provide assistance to those who need it.

  • Through peer-led multimedia production, we will convert research into shareable social media resources and conclude with a three-day hackathon.