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UK esports educator Nik Turner of agency Ntesports has launched ‘ProtectMe’ in the UK, a new AI safeguarding software designed to protect users on Discord.
ProtectMe is billed as ‘the only solution available that analyses both voice and text chat on Windows PCs and Discord servers’. It’s been developed by cybersecurity company Kidas, with Ntesports now its UK reseller, and aims to safeguard young gamers.
The software operates in the background, monitoring voice and text communications. It claims to identify 60 different potential threats (including explicit language, hate speech, harassment and scams), and sends alerts to parents, teachers or administrators with the details of those threats, and offers recommendations for resolution.
The software provides weekly safety summaries, detailing gaming activity and offering guidance on each flagged issue. The ProtectMe Bot, the security solution for Discord servers, is positioned to tackle online toxicity.
Developed with insights from experts like Dr. Tracy Evian Waasdorp, PhD, MS.Ed, of the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, and Christine Waanders, a psychologist specialising in bullying prevention, AI safeguarding software ProtectMe uses algorithms to identify and assess harmful content.
ProtectMe is also being supported by UK charity Ygam, which aims to prevent children and young people from experiencing gaming and gambling harms.
The software costs £3.74 per month for PC, or £142.99 per month for Discord servers. These are prices for education customers, offering the equivalent of three months three. Ntesports is also offering a two-month software trial to educators and community leaders at esports clubs, schools, colleges and universities.
Discord has been a safeguarding minefield for many in esports and gaming and other sectors, with many servers open for anyone to join from the public.
Nik from Ntesports first saw the software at Chicago’s Esports Trade Association conference in July, and was so impressed he signed on as the UK reseller. He’s now in the process of organising pilots and is in partnership discussions with various companies.
“We believe in ProtectMe’s ability to create a safer online space for young people to enjoy their gameplay without worry. This solution isn’t about restrictions; it’s about providing peace of mind for parents and educators while empowering students to engage positively online.”
Nik Turner, Ntesports
Kidas uses AI technology to identify and mitigate threats like cyberbullying, online predators, and other digital dangers in real time, and claims to protect more than 3m gaming conversations each month.
Ron Kerbs, CEO and Founder of Kidas, said: “ProtectMe represents a leap forward in proactive digital safety designed specifically for the gaming community. Together with Ntesports, we are excited to offer UK users a solution that not only protects but also fosters a healthy gaming environment.”
Nik Turner, Managing Director of Ntesports, added: “We believe in ProtectMe’s ability to create a safer online space for young people to enjoy their gameplay without worry. This solution isn’t about restrictions; it’s about providing peace of mind for parents and educators while empowering students to engage positively online.”
Sacha Kent, Programme Lead for Gaming & Esports at Ygam, commented: “As the UK’s leading charity dedicated to safeguarding children and young people from gaming and gambling harms, Ygam is encouraged to see innovative solutions like ProtectMe launching to create the safest, most enjoyable gaming environment. Working alongside education, these tools align closely with our mission to support families and safeguard the digital generation of gamers.
For more info or to get a trial, contact Nik Turner at [email protected] or visit ntesports.uk/safeguarding
Dom is an award-winning writer and finalist of the Esports Journalist of the Year 2023 award. He graduated from Bournemouth University with a 2:1 degree in Multi-Media Journalism in 2007.
As a long-time gamer having first picked up the NES controller in the late ’80s, he has written for a range of publications including GamesTM, Nintendo Official Magazine, industry publication MCV and others. He worked as head of content for the British Esports Federation up until February 2021, when he stepped back to work full-time on Esports News UK and offer esports consultancy and freelance services. Note: Dom still produces the British Esports newsletter on a freelance basis, so our coverage of British Esports is always kept simple – usually just covering the occasional press release – because of this conflict of interest.
