Lockout and Control: Digital Coercion and the Erosion of Athlete Autonomy

Pierangelo Rosati ()
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Pierangelo Rosati: DCU Business School, Dublin City University

Chapter 8 in Combating Online Abuse in Sports, 2026, pp 153-180 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract This chapter examines the phenomenon of lockout and control, a distinct yet underexplored form of online abuse that undermines athlete autonomy through digital coercion rather than toxic commentary or content creation. Unlike traditional forms of online harassment that focus on generating harmful content, lockout and control tactics actively deny athletes access to essential digital platforms. Lockout and control manifest in four main ways: (i) account takeover incidents involving unauthorised access to social media profiles; (ii) organisational suppression of athlete communications through blackout policies; (iii) content deletion and manipulation that erases evidence or distorts records; and (iv) access tampering disrupting digital system functionality. These tactics, whether by malicious actors or institutions, cause psychological harm, disrupt careers, and erode autonomy. The chapter analyses vulnerabilities like credential compromise, social engineering, and Internet of Things (IoT) exploitation, showing how digital transformation outpaces security. Psychological impacts such as identity crises, anxiety, and social isolation are explored alongside athletes’ unique pressures. A multi-layered mitigation approach is proposed, including technical controls, emergency recovery protocols, and digital security education. The chapter calls for further research into psychological and organisational aspects, emphasising that protecting athletes’ digital rights is vital for their professional and personal well-being in a digital age.

Keywords: Lockout and control; Cybersecurity; Athlete identity; Online abuse; Content deletion; Content manipulation; Account takeover; Access tampering (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-17822-0_8

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