Microsoft and OpenAI team up to tackle election deepfakes
Microsoft and OpenAI have joined forces to combat the escalating threat of AI-generated deepfakes in the upcoming elections. The two tech giants have announced a $2 million fund specifically aimed at countering the spread of misinformation and deception through the use of advanced artificial intelligence technology.
With a record 2 billion people expected to participate in elections across 50 countries this year, concerns are mounting over the potential impact of AI on voters, particularly those in vulnerable communities who may be more susceptible to manipulative tactics. The rise of generative AI tools like ChatGPT has paved the way for the creation of highly convincing deepfakes that can mislead and deceive individuals on a massive scale.
In response to this growing threat, major tech companies including Microsoft and OpenAI have pledged to uphold ethical standards and develop a common framework to address the misuse of AI in influencing elections. Companies like Google and Meta have already begun implementing restrictions on their AI chatbots to prevent the spread of false information around political events.
The newly established societal resilience fund will focus on enhancing AI literacy and education among voters, with grants being awarded to organizations such as Older Adults Technology Services, the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, and the Partnership on AI. These initiatives aim to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to discern the authenticity of AI-generated content and make informed decisions during elections.
Microsoft’s corporate VP for technology and corporate responsibility, Teresa Hutson, expressed the companies’ commitment to addressing the challenges posed by deepfakes and promoting greater AI literacy across society. By fostering collaboration with like-minded organizations and initiatives, Microsoft and OpenAI are dedicated to safeguarding the integrity of democratic processes and combatting the dissemination of false information through AI technology.
