If you run a website, app, or any online platform with user-generated content (UGC), you already know the struggle: How do you keep the platform safe, compliant, and free from abuse without spending all your time manually reviewing content?
The challenge isn’t just the sheer volume of UGC, it’s how quickly things can spiral out of control without proper moderation. And now, with AI-generated content flooding platforms, the risks are even higher. Spam, scams, hate speech, misinformation, and even illegal material can spread rapidly, putting your platform and users at risk.
Traditional moderation methods simply aren’t enough. Keyword filters fail too often, either flagging harmless content or letting bad actors slip through by slightly altering words or embedding harmful messages in images. Manual moderation teams get overwhelmed fast. And with deepfakes, evolving scams, and increasingly complex policy violations, platforms need something smarter.
Enter AI-powered content moderation. Unlike outdated tools that rely on rigid rules, today’s AI solutions understand context, detect subtle violations, and adapt to emerging threats. They allow platforms to moderate content at scale, without sacrificing accuracy or frustrating users.
In this guide, we'll show you:
What features truly matter in automated content moderation tools
How to choose the right solution for your needs
Why is automated content moderation a necessity in 2025?
Let's be real, running an online platform today, relying on basic moderation methods is like bringing a knife to a gunfight. Many platforms still depend on primitive solutions like:
Blocklists that constantly need manual updates
Basic regex filters that miss obvious violations
Keyword matching that blocks legitimate content
User reporting systems that only catch problems after the damage is done
These methods might have worked half a decade ago, but they're dangerously inadequate today. Here's why automation isn't just nice to have, it's essential.
The content explosion is real
Remember when moderating user content meant checking a few forum posts? Those days are long gone. Users now create content faster than any human team can review it. Add AI-generated content to the mix, and you're looking at an avalanche of material that needs screening 24/7.
The numbers are staggering. Social platforms now process millions of posts per minute. E-commerce sites handle thousands of new product listings hourly. Gaming platforms moderate countless chat messages per second. And it's not just volume, it's variety:
Multi-modal content combining text, images, and videos
Complex interactions like stories, reels, and live streams
AI-generated content that's increasingly hard to distinguish from human-created content
Multi-language content requiring contextual understanding
Threats are getting smarter
Today's online threats make old-school spam look primitive. We're seeing:
Deepfakes that can fool even trained eyes
Financial scams that look increasingly legitimate
Hate speech using evolving coded language
Coordinated attacks that exploit platform vulnerabilities
The law says you must act
Modern content regulations and legal requirements don't just suggest moderation—they practically mandate automation. The UK Online Safety Act, along with similar regulations worldwide, sets a new global standard by requiring platforms to proactively prevent harmful content. Here’s what that means in practice:
The law requires platforms to have "a content moderation function that allows for the swift takedown of illegal content." With millions of posts uploaded daily, this level of speed is only achievable with automated systems.
Platforms must maintain "a dedicated moderation team supported by tools for content review." The emphasis on "tools" recognizes that human teams need technological support to be effective.
Platforms are expected to prevent illegal content from appearing in the first place. This proactive approach is only possible with automated screening tools that assess content before it goes live.
Manual teams can't keep up
Even the biggest platforms have learned this the hard way: throwing more human moderators at the problem isn't the answer. It's expensive, slow, and takes a toll on moderator mental health. Plus, consistency becomes a huge challenge when you're relying solely on human judgment.
5 warning signs you need automated content moderation
1. You are drowning in content
If your platform receives hundreds (or thousands) of user submissions daily – posts, comments, images, or videos – manual review isn't just inefficient, it's impossible. When content comes in faster than your team can review it, automated moderation isn't optional – it's essential.
2. Your team is overwhelmed
Watch for these critical warning signs:
Unreviewed content backlogs keep growing while moderators struggle to keep pace with new submissions
Response times to user reports stretch from hours to days, leaving potentially harmful content visible
Moderator burnout increases, leading to high turnover and lost institutional knowledge
Community guidelines enforcement becomes inconsistent as tired moderators make judgment errors
Serious violations slip through while teams get bogged down handling minor infractions
3. Your users are raising red flags
When users consistently report these issues, it's time for automated assistance:
Spam campaigns overwhelming comment sections and discussion threads
Targeted harassment and hate speech affecting community members
Sophisticated scams and fraud schemes targeting your community
Inconsistent enforcement of rules leading to user confusion and frustration
4. Your brand faces growing risks
Your platform's reputation is on the line when:
Harmful content stays up too long
Policy violations go viral before your team can detect and remove them
Bad actors systematically exploit gaps in your moderation system
Negative media coverage highlights your platform's moderation failures
Valuable community members abandon the platform over safety concerns
5. Your costs are spiraling out of control
Manual moderation becomes financially untenable when:
You're trapped in a cycle of constant moderator hiring and training
Employee turnover costs consume an increasing share of your budget
Content volume growth outpaces your ability to scale the moderation team
Usage spikes overwhelm your manual moderation capacity
Legal compliance costs rise due to missed violations and delayed responses
Core features of an effective automated content moderation solution
Not all automated moderation tools are built the same. Some just slap a basic keyword filter on your platform and call it AI. But modern platforms need smarter, more adaptable solutions that can understand context, detect evolving threats, and scale effortlessly.
Here’s what to look for when choosing an automated content moderation tool:
1. AI-powered contextual understanding
Simple keyword filters don’t cut it anymore. They miss harmful content that uses coded language while wrongly flagging innocent posts. Platforms need AI that doesn’t just scan for words but understands context, intent, and evolving language patterns.
What to look for:
Built-in AI models trained for text, image, and video analysis.
Custom AI integration to fine-tune models for your platform’s unique needs.
AI prompt engineering for deep conversation analysis (e.g., detecting grooming, radicalization).
Multi-language support for global platforms.
Image and video analysis for detecting manipulated media, explicit content, and deepfakes.
Example:
A user posts, "That’s a killer deal!"
Basic keyword filter: Flags it for violence.
AI-powered moderation: Understands it’s about a discount, not a threat.
2. Real-time & scalable moderation
Content moves fast. If your moderation system lags, harmful posts can spread before they’re caught. Platforms need moderation tools that work in real-time, scaling effortlessly with user-generated content.
What to look for:
Scalable AI filters that adjust based on content volume and risk level.
Sentiment analysis to detect toxic behavior and emotional cues in discussions.
Spam and scam detection to prevent phishing, bot activity, and fraudulent schemes.
CSAM detection filters that use AI and hash-matching for immediate takedown of illegal material.
Example:
A deepfake video of a public figure is uploaded.
Slow moderation
It spreads before being reviewed.
AI-powered moderation
Detects manipulation, flags it, and prevents its circulation in seconds.
3. Multi-format content analysis (text, images, video, audio, live streams)
Harmful content isn’t just in text. Images, videos, and live streams can slip through weak moderation systems. A robust system must detect risks across multiple content types.
What to look for:
AI-powered text moderation that detects threats in comments, posts, and messages.
Image recognition to identify explicit content, violent imagery, and manipulated media.
Video moderation for real-time scanning of uploaded content and live streams.
Audio moderation that transcribes and analyzes spoken content for policy violations.
Live stream monitoring that detects and halts violations in real-time.
Example:
A user uploads a blurred image containing CSAM (Child Sexual Abuse Material).
Basic tools
Can’t detect the manipulation.
AI-powered moderation
Uses perceptual hashing & AI vision to identify illegal content instantly.
4. Customizable rules & adaptive learning
Every platform has unique guidelines, a one-size-fits-all approach won’t work. The system should adapt to evolving threats and allow for fine-tuned moderation.
What to look for:
Custom action flows based on filtering results.
Multi-step automation rules for flexible moderation policies.
Conditional logic implementation for smarter decision-making.
Plus AI that learns and improves based on past moderation actions
Example:
A gaming community might tolerate light banter, while a professional forum may not. A smart system adapts to each platform’s culture and rules.
5. Automated actions & escalation paths
A strong system must not only detect violations but take swift, automated actions to keep platforms safe.
What to look for:
Violation prioritization system to rank threats based on severity.
Configurable priority levels so high-risk content is flagged instantly.
Automated escalation paths to route critical cases to human reviewers.
Emergency response protocols for extreme violations, like CSAM or terrorism-related content.
Example:
Someone posts explicit content in a public forum.
Weak moderation
The post stays up until a human flags it.
AI-powered moderation
Instantly removes it and warns the user—before damage is done.
6. Integrations with CSAM Detection Tools
Tackling CSAM is a legal and ethical responsibility. Platforms must integrate industry-standard detection tools to ensure compliance and protect users.
What to look for:
Industry-standard hash matching
Rapid content takedown mechanisms for immediate action.
Shared database contributions to enhance threat detection across platforms.
Cross-platform detection to prevent banned content from resurfacing.
7. Compliance & audit trails
With strict regulations like the UK Online Safety Act, failing to moderate properly can lead to legal trouble, fines, or platform bans.
What to look for:
Log management best practices for secure record-keeping.
Audit trail maintenance to track all moderation actions.
Regulatory reporting tools to generate compliance reports quickly.
Documentation standards that align with global safety laws.
Example:
A regulator asks for proof that you removed illegal content within the required time. A robust system provides timestamps, action history, and compliance reports instantly
8. Moderator-specific features
Moderators need efficient tools to manage flagged content, enforce policies, and track performance.
What to look for:
Role-based access control for secure moderator permissions.
Team hierarchy management for organizing moderation teams.
Queue management system to prioritize flagged content.
Comprehensive audit logs for tracking moderator actions.
Analytics and reporting tools to monitor trends and performance.
9. User reporting systems
Giving users the ability to report harmful content helps crowdsource moderation and improve safety.
What to look for:
Intuitive reporting interface that makes it easy for users to flag violations.
Category-based reporting for precise issue categorization.
Reporter feedback mechanisms to inform users about moderation outcomes.
Abuse prevention to stop bad actors from misusing reporting features.
User Control Features:
Content blocking tools so users can curate their experience.
User muting options for dealing with harassment.
Personal filter settings for customized safety preferences.
Community Management Tools:
User reputation systems to reward good behavior.
Community guidelines enforcement to maintain platform standards.
Appeal management for users contesting moderation decisions.
Choosing the right content moderation tool is crucial for maintaining a safe and engaging platform. Here's an overview of several notable solutions, highlighting their strengths and potential drawbacks:
Top automated content moderation tools
1. Besedo
With two decades of experience, Besedo offers content moderation services combining human expertise with AI technology. Their platform, Implio, provides a unified interface for manual and automated moderation.
Strengths:
Human-AI synergy: Balances human judgment with AI efficiency.
Comprehensive tools: Features custom filters, keyword highlighting, and analytics.
Potential drawbacks:
Scalability concerns: Heavy reliance on human moderators may impact scalability.
Response times: Manual processes could lead to slower moderation speeds.
2. Hive AI
Hive AI provides a comprehensive AI platform with content moderation as a key feature. Their services include text, image, and audio content analysis, leveraging a vast distributed workforce for data labeling.
Strengths:
Diverse AI capabilities: Offers a wide range of AI services beyond moderation.
Scalable solutions: Utilizes both manual moderation and AI models for flexibility.
Potential drawbacks:
Complexity: Broad service offerings may require integration efforts.
Cost considerations: Comprehensive features might come with higher pricing.
3. Sightengine
Sightengine specializes in visual content moderation, providing API-driven solutions for image and video analysis. Their services cater to industries like dating apps, e-commerce, and social platforms.
Strengths:
Developer-friendly: Offers straightforward API integration.
Real-time analysis: Delivers instant moderation results.
Potential drawbacks:
Limited dashboard: Focuses on API services without a dedicated user interface.
Customization needs: May require additional development for tailored solutions.
4. ActiveFence
ActiveFence offers an enterprise-grade content moderation platform with tools like ActiveOS and ActiveScore. They focus on proactive threat detection and comprehensive moderation control.
Strengths:
Robust Features: Includes data ingestion, custom rule creation, and analytics.
Proactive Detection: Utilizes AI to assess content risk levels.
Potential drawbacks:
Complexity: Advanced features may be overwhelming for smaller platforms.
Cost: Designed for enterprises, potentially leading to higher expenses.
5. WebPurify
WebPurify offers content moderation services with a focus on creating a safe internet experience, especially for children. They provide both automated and human moderation solutions.
Strengths:
Affordable Services: Offers cost-effective solutions, including pay-as-you-go options.
Tailored Offerings: Provides services like Live Moderation for specific needs.
Potential drawbacks:
Scope limitations: Primarily focuses on image moderation.
Manual processes: Human moderation may lead to longer response times.
6. CometChat
CometChat provides a chat platform with integrated content moderation APIs, focusing on real-time communication channels.
Strengths:
Seamless Integration: Built-in moderation for chat applications.
Real-Time Monitoring: Ensures immediate detection of violations.
Potential drawbacks:
Niche application: Primarily suited for platforms with chat functionalities.
Feature Scope: May lack broader content moderation capabilities.
7. Lasso Moderation
Lasso Moderation offers out-of-the-box content moderation tools, combining AI, custom automation, and an easy-to-use dashboard.
Strengths:
User-Friendly Interface: Simplifies the moderation process.
Versatile Solutions: Caters to various content types, including chat and comments.
Potential Drawbacks:
Customization Limits: Pre-built tools may offer less flexibility.
Scalability: Designed for small to medium platforms, which may affect scalability.
8. Checkstep
Checkstep provides AI-driven content moderation services, focusing on scalability and user safety. Their platform offers tools for automated moderation and compliance.
Strengths:
Scalable Solutions: Designed to handle growing content volumes.
Compliance Focus: Assists in meeting regulatory requirements.
Potential Drawbacks:
Emerging Platform: May have a smaller user base and less market presence.
Feature Maturity: Some functionalities might still be under development.
I'll revise the closing section with the corrected feature description:
While choosing the right content moderation tool depends on your specific needs, one thing is clear: automated moderation isn't optional anymore. It's essential for scaling your platform, protecting your users, and staying compliant with evolving regulations.
If you're building or managing a platform with chat and messaging features, CometChat's moderation tools offer a comprehensive solution. Our automated moderation system includes:
AI-powered content filtering that works in real-time
Multiple content screening filters
Advanced spam and scam prevention
Custom moderation rules tailored to your needs
Seamless integration with existing chat features
Full compliance with global content regulations
Scalable performance for growing platforms
What sets CometChat's moderation apart is its deep integration with our chat infrastructure, providing:
Zero-latency content screening
Built-in user safety controls
Automated threat response
Detailed moderation analytics
Easy implementation with just a few lines of code
Ready to protect your chat users?
Check out CometChat's moderation features to learn how CometChat can help secure your platform's conversations. Our team is ready to show you how automated moderation can work for your specific use case.
Haris Kumar
Lead Content Strategist , CometChat