Facebook uses AI technology to help prevent users' suicide attempt

SAN FRANCISCO — US high-tech giant Facebook said Monday it is using artificial intelligence (AI) technology, including pattern recognition, to detect whether someone is expressing thoughts of suicide in a post or live video.

"Facebook is a place where friends and family are already connected and we are able to help connect a person in distress with people who can support them," the company said in a press release.

It said it is "using pattern recognition to detect posts or live videos where someone might be expressing thoughts of suicide, and to help respond to reports faster."

The world's largest social network also said it now has more workers to review reports of suicide and self-harm.

The reports of its users expressing distress or hints of suicide, obtained with the help of AI technology, are escalated to local authorities twice more quickly than others, Facebook noted.

Facebook uses signals like the text in the post or comments, such as "Are you ok?" "Can I help?" as a warning that can alert first responders to help anyone who is likely to commit suicide.

"We are starting to roll out artificial intelligence outside the US to help identify when someone might be expressing thoughts of suicide, including on Facebook Live. This will eventually be available worldwide, except the EU," Facebook said.

Facebook currently has 2 billion users worldwide.