Microsoft’s Bing has partnered with StopNCII.org to address the growing problem of non-consensual intimate imagery and AI deepfakes.
This collaboration is an important step in protecting individuals, especially women and girls, from the harmful effects of intimate image abuse.
StopNCII.org, managed by a UK charity, allows people to create digital fingerprints of their intimate images without needing to upload the actual photos.
These digital fingerprints are shared with companies to help identify and remove these images from their services.
With this partnership, Bing becomes the first search engine to adopt this technology.
The partnership has already seen success, with Microsoft acting on 268,899 images flagged through the StopNCII database.
This proactive approach helps prevent harmful images from appearing in Bing’s image search results.
Microsoft’s commitment to this issue goes beyond the partnership.
They have established a policy that prohibits the sharing or creation of intimate images without consent across all their services.
A centralized reporting portal has also been created, allowing users to report and request the removal of harmful content.
This portal offers users options to report harmful content in various products, including gaming and Bing.
As the issue of AI deepfakes continues to escalate, Microsoft recognizes the critical need for action. The company acknowledges that technologies like generative AI could worsen the situation regarding the misuse of intimate images.
In response, Microsoft has introduced measures to prevent the generation of explicit content through its artificial intelligence platforms, reinforcing its commitment to combatting this problem.
This initiative also aligns with broader efforts to mitigate misleading AI-generated content in the lead-up to global elections in 2024. Microsoft intends to implement a public awareness campaign in the United States, urging voters to remain vigilant against manipulative deepfake content and promoting a motto of “Check, Re-Check and Vote.”
As the landscape of deepfakes evolves, Microsoft is advocating for new policies and legislative changes to deter malicious activities and support victims. The company has joined a collaborative effort aimed at establishing best practices to tackle the challenge of non-consensual intimate imagery.
This collaboration between Microsoft Bing and StopNCII.org stands out as a significant advancement in the fight against online exploitation and misinformation. By utilizing state-of-the-art technology and fostering cooperation across the tech industry, Microsoft is leading the way in enhancing user privacy and addressing the prevalence of harmful content on the internet.
