Symbol Smart: An AI hate symbol identification solution

The Problem

With hundreds of symbols associated with hate groups, it is a nearly impossible task for frontline municipal enforcement to be familiar with and identify them all.

The Solution

Using a cutting-edge image detection algorithm, Symbol Smart provides a critical resource for frontline staff through its use of artificial intelligence to detect and identify symbols of politically motivated hate. Symbol Smart was built using open source tools within existing budget.

The Impact

Symbol Smart was trained to detect and identify approximately 97 different symbols, providing a critical resource for frontline staff who previously struggled to recognize over 300 possible hate-related signs, and enhancing overall response and prevention efforts.

Lessons Learned

Despite high technical performance, some groups were initially too risk adverse to use the app operationally, suggesting that technical completion is only the first step toward actual adoption.

Launch year: 2019