Microsoft and OpenAI Unveil the Societal Resilience Fund – Microsoft On the Issues
In an unprecedented move, Microsoft and OpenAI have jointly announced the establishment of the Societal Resilience Fund, a monumental initiative worth $2 million aimed at advancing AI education and literacy among voters and vulnerable communities.
In a year where democratic elections engage two billion people worldwide, the imperative to equip individuals with the tools and knowledge to navigate our increasingly intricate digital landscape and discern credible resources cannot be overstated.
Grants from this fund will be channelled to various esteemed organizations, including Older Adults Technology Services from AARP (OATS), the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA), the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), and the Partnership on AI (PAI), to bolster AI education efforts and foster a deeper understanding of AI capabilities. Together, our aim is to fortify societal resilience against the proliferation of deceptive AI content.
The Societal Resilience Fund stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of Microsoft and OpenAI, aligning with their public commitments outlined in the White House Voluntary Commitments and the Tech Accord to Combat Deceptive Use of AI in the 2024 Elections. These commitments entail engagement with a diverse array of global civil society organizations and academics, as well as support for initiatives fostering public awareness and societal resilience. Our shared mission is to confront the escalating threat posed by malicious actors exploiting AI and deepfakes to manipulate voters and undermine democratic processes.
Highlighted below are the strategies our esteemed partners plan to adopt with the assistance of these grants:
Older Adults Technology Services from AARP (OATS) will spearhead a comprehensive training program tailored to educate American adults aged 50 and above on the fundamental aspects of AI. This initiative encompasses both in-person and virtual training sessions, access to specialized guides, and tailored programs to assist older Americans in navigating an evolving AI-centric world.
“As AI becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, it is imperative that older adults are equipped with knowledge about both its benefits and risks. We are proud to collaborate with Microsoft and OpenAI on this crucial endeavor to ensure that individuals aged 50 and above have access to the necessary training, information, and support to harness new technologies effectively while safeguarding against potential misuse.” – Tom Kamber, Executive Director, OATS from AARP
The Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA) will launch an extensive educational campaign aimed at enhancing clarity and awareness regarding existing digital disclosure methods and best practices. This initiative will entail the creation and dissemination of informative materials elucidating available options such as content provenance and watermarking, their interplay, and how end-users should engage with these indicators. Additionally, the campaign will strive to raise awareness about the availability of content credentials.
“The C2PA is thrilled to collaborate on this pivotal initiative aimed at elevating awareness of content provenance and fostering a healthy digital media ecosystem. This campaign is designed to empower individuals with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions and navigate the complexities of the digital realm.” – Ray Lansigan, Marketing & Communications Chair, C2PA
The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) will conduct global training sessions to bolster public awareness and societal resilience to AI in electoral processes. The initiative will focus on empowering Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs), civil society organizations, and media stakeholders through training and dialogue, equipping them with the requisite skills and understanding to navigate the opportunities and challenges posed by AI.
“Electoral Management Bodies, media entities, and civil society play a pivotal role in safeguarding democratic institutions. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with these stakeholders worldwide to enhance their awareness and comprehension of AI and its implications for their vital work.” – Alberto Fernandez Gibaja, Program Head for Digitalization and Democracy, International IDEA
The Partnership on AI (PAI) will expand upon and refine its pioneering Synthetic Media Framework, aimed at promoting transparency in generative AI, establishing best practice guidelines for safe and responsible AI development, and diversifying the voices shaping the future of AI innovation. This endeavour will bolster the AI and Media Integrity Program by updating and enhancing the Synthetic Media Framework, gathering use cases, and assisting the field in developing policies and practices for responsible synthetic media, including emergent mitigations.
“By fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders involved in the creation, distribution, and utilization of synthetic media, the Partnership on AI seeks to advance knowledge, action, and transparency regarding the responsible deployment of AI. We look forward to furthering our partnership with OpenAI and Microsoft, promoting accountability to ensure that AI advancements benefit society as a whole.” – Rebecca Finlay, CEO, of Partnership on AI
The launch of the Societal Resilience Fund marks just the beginning of Microsoft and OpenAI’s commitment to addressing the challenges and imperatives of AI literacy and education. Tomorrow (May 8th, 2024), the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) will convene a gathering of civil society members and industry leaders, including executives from OpenAI and Microsoft, to delve into the opportunities and challenges lying ahead.
Microsoft and OpenAI remain steadfast in their dedication to this cause, and they pledge to continue collaborating with organizations and initiatives that share their vision and values.