AI bots on the forum

[Wilyjim]

I am becoming concerned about some of the posts appearing on here recently and it needs raising before things get out of hand. We have already had the issue with spam posts but what worries me more are the posts that actually look genuine.

With AI now able to produce convincing paragraphs in seconds, how do we actually know that everyone commenting on here is truly a Yorkshire rugby supporter? I have noticed several newer posters who seem to have very strong opinions on clubs, players and matches but whose contributions seem to show very little balance.

I don't want to start a witch hunt but we do have to consider the possibility that some of these accounts are bots.

More worrying still, has anyone considered whether clubs could be paying for them? Let's face it, if clubs are prepared to spend money getting players in then paying somebody a small amount to run 3 or 4 forum accounts and talk up their chances isn't beyond the realms of possibility. A few positive comments about a new signing, criticism of a referee or suggestions that a rival club is struggling and suddenly a completely false narrative has been created. And where are the authorities in these situations... nowhere to be seen!

There seem to be occasions where several accounts suddenly start making very similar points, often using remarkably similar language, and then agree with each other within a short space of time. That could all of course be coincidence, but equally we shouldn't simply assume every account on here is a genuine supporter sitting at home typing their own thoughts.

I would strongly suggest we band together and draw up some fairly simple safeguards moving forward...
1.   There should be a set of basic Yorkshire rugby verification questions when registering. Something a genuine supporter should know.
2.   Newly registered accounts posting unusually frequently should be flagged to the committee for review. (I am very happy to be involved in this).
3.   A requirement to disclose if the bulk of a post has been generated using AI.
4.   Clubs should also confirm that they are not directly or indirectly paying individuals to influence discussion on this forum.
5.   And finally, clubs should be reminded that using anonymous accounts to influence discussion would be unacceptable.

Some will say this is too extensive, but once you lose confidence that the person you are arguing with is actually a person, where does it end?

I certainly don't want to spend twenty minutes discussing the standard of the refs performance with a computer. Perhaps Backrowbandit / avinastella can clarify what protection is currently in place.

[Locked Out]

Well said Wilyjim. Don't think there's anyone clever enough at Moortown to do as you've suggested though?       

[Legwill]

OP reads like a bot to me.   

[Caravanboys]

Before anyone else says anything.  Nobody at at Bramley knows what a AI bot is . Don't make it too difficult 

[Locked Out]