Tech Policy Roundup – August 2024

Last month, Microsoft published a detailed report, “Protecting the Public from Abusive AI-Generated Content,” that includes policy recommendations to combat deepfake fraud. In a blog about the issue, Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith notes that “AI-generated deepfakes are realistic, easy for nearly anyone to make, and increasingly being used for fraud, abuse, and manipulation—especially to target kids and seniors.” While the tech sector and non-profits have taken steps to address this challenge, new laws are also needed to fight abusive “synthetic” content. Coverage of this development can be found in The Verge and Redmond magazine.

Microsoft, Google, GitHub, LinkedIn, and others recently filed an amicus brief in a case aimed at providing legal recourse to victims of cyber mercenary attacks. The brief underscores the national security threat represented by commercial spyware—and the role of government, the tech sector, and civil society in addressing this challenge. You can learn more about this development from this Microsoft on the Issues blog.

Related: Microsoft and more than 150 other tech companies, including many Voices for Innovation members, are signatories to the global Cybersecurity Tech Accord, which promotes a safer online world. The values of the Tech Accord include opposition to private sector offensive cyber actions, including the activities of cyber mercenaries.

Have you been enjoying following what some are calling “the first AI Olympics”? Like other global organizations, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has developed AI policies aimed at harnessing the power of AI and mitigating risks. As part of this effort, the IOC has considered how AI can improve training, equipment, judging, and refereeing. You can find the Olympic AI Agenda and articles on the topic at this link.

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