November 2023 Recap: How is AI and Autonomy doing?

2. Microsoft’s AI-generated poll showed up next to an article about the death of a 21-year-old woman, speculating the cause of death: Business Insider reported on November 1, 2023 that a newspaper publisher claimed Microsoft damaged its reputation by placing an insensitive poll, generated by AI, next to an article about the death of a woman. “An AI-generated poll asking readers to vote on whether they thought the woman had died by murder, suicide or accident appeared next to the article on Microsoft Start.” This triggered anger from readers and the news organization. When we understand the aspects of Responsible AI, one of the important starting points is establishing AI Principles and Policies. Published on Microsoft’s website, dated March 10, 2023, one of Microsoft’s AI Principles is “Inclusive and respectful”. It reads: “The first principle of AI that Microsoft follows is ensuring that AI technology is inclusive and respectful of human rights. AI should be designed and used to enhance human capability, not replace it. This means that AI systems should not discriminate against people based on their race, gender, religion, or any other characteristic. They should be accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. Moreover, AI should respect human dignity, privacy, and autonomy.” It seems this incident is in violation of Microsoft’s first principle.