Microsoft Online Safety News

While millions of people use AI to supercharge their productivity and expression, there is the risk that these technologies are abused. Building on our longstanding commitment to online safety, Microsoft has joined Thorn, All Tech is Human, and other leading companies in their effort to prevent the misuse of generative AI technologies to perpetrate, proliferate,… The post Microsoft Joins Thorn and All Tech Is Human to enact strong child safety commitments for generative AI appeared first on Microsoft On the Issues.

Since Hamas attacked Israel in October 2023, Iranian government-aligned actors have launched a series of cyberattacks and influence operations (IO) intended to help the Hamas cause and weaken Israel and its political allies and business partners. Many of Iran’s immediate operations after October 7 were hasty and chaotic – indicating it had little or no… The post Iran accelerates cyber ops against Israel from chaotic start appeared first on Microsoft On the Issues.

With growing interest in emerging technologies, including generative AI, Safer Internet Day provides an opportunity for people of all ages to engage and discuss online activities and safety. February 6, 2024, marks Safer Internet Day – an annual event that brings people around the world together to create a safer and better online environment for… The post Increased uptake of generative AI technology brings excitement and highlights the importance of family conversations about online safety, says new research from Microsoft appeared first on Microsoft On the Issues.

As we head into 2024, there is an urgent call to action for us all to take steps to protect youth safety and privacy online and to ensure that technology  – including emerging technologies such as AI – serves as a positive force for the next generation. As policymakers and regulators weigh potential measures to… The post Advancing youth online safety and wellness appeared first on Microsoft On the Issues.

The past year has brought to the world an almost unparalleled and diverse array of technological change. Advances in artificial intelligence are accelerating innovation and reshaping the way societies interact and operate. At the same time, cybercriminals and nation-state attackers have unleashed opposing initiatives and innovations that threaten security and stability in communities and countries… The post A new world of security: Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative appeared first on Microsoft On the Issues.

Microsoft, Amazon, and international law enforcement have come together to send a strong message to perpetrators of tech support fraud: There will be consequences for their actions. On Thursday, October 19, Central Bureau Investigation (CBI), the federal enforcement agency in India, announced it has conducted multiple criminal raids in various cities across India. This operation… The post Microsoft, Amazon, and international law enforcement join forces to fight tech support fraud appeared first on Microsoft On the Issues.

Tomorrow is international Safer Internet Day, a global event bringing people together to create a safer internet. For the past six years, Microsoft has taken this opportunity to advocate for digital civility – treating those we meet online with dignity and respect – and released research to help better understand peoples’ online experiences. This year,… The post New Microsoft research illustrates the online risks and value of safety tools to keep kids safer in the digital environment appeared first on Microsoft On the Issues.

As we mark National News Literacy Week, I have been reflecting on Microsoft’s commitment to news and media literacy and the central role it plays in a healthy information ecosystem. At Microsoft, we firmly believe that these are essential life skills and critical to preserving and strengthening democracy. How people consume news has changed drastically… The post In the digital age, democracy depends on information literacy appeared first on Microsoft On the Issues.

Today, Microsoft is expanding our commitments and contributions to the Christchurch Call, a critical multistakeholder initiative to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online. These new commitments are part of our wider work to advance the responsible use of AI and are focused on empowering researchers, increasing transparency and explainability around recommender systems, and promoting… The post Expanding our commitments to countering violent extremism online  appeared first on Microsoft On the Issues.

Commercialized cyberweapons continue to threaten consumers, businesses and governments. Microsoft believes that allowing private sector offensive actors, or PSOAs, to develop and sell surveillance and intrusion capabilities to unscrupulous governments and business interests endangers basic human rights. We take this threat seriously, and today are announcing the disruption of the use of certain cyberweapons created… The post Continuing the fight against private sector cyberweapons appeared first on Microsoft On the Issues.