In a world where technology is continually reshaping our lives, its impact on the democratic process remains profound. At its best, digital technology helps empower voters with information for informed decision-making and ensures the integrity and security of elections. And at its worst, bad actors can use new AI advances to produce deepfakes to try to mislead the public about what our candidates are saying.
Around the world, Microsoft has been working this year to help political parties, candidates, and campaigns protect elections from deepfakes. This took us to Taiwan in February, India in March, across the EU for parliamentary races in May, and the United Kingdom and France this summer. And it’s why Microsoft will be present at both 2024 U.S. national political conventions to provide information and technical training for candidates in both political parties.
We will not endorse a candidate or political party. Our presence at the conventions instead will be grounded in policy discussions on the importance of combating election deepfakes and promoting education and learning.
In advance of the first convention, we will launch a U.S. public awareness campaign to encourage people to be vigilant to the risk of deepfake manipulation in this year’s election, and to Check, Re-Check and Vote. Though threats to democracy have always existed, the tactics of adversaries are constantly evolving. This campaign encourages voters to verify sources and points to key authoritative election resources, to ultimately help voters protect themselves from deepfake deception. It’s simple, action-oriented, and increases public awareness.
Since 2000, our participation in national conventions has been rooted in three principles. First, our support is bipartisan. Our goal is to ensure that technology serves as a neutral platform that benefits all. Second, we aim to provide reliable technology tools that serve the public good and enhance the democratic process. And third, we do not endorse either political party or its nominees.
As more elections take place this year than any other in history, we’re committed to a set of election protection principles to safeguard voters, candidates and campaigns, and election authorities worldwide. Part of that commitment includes empowering voters to recognize warning signs and critically evaluate digital content as the first line of defense against deepfakes.
In February, Microsoft pledged with other participating companies to help prevent deceptive AI content from interfering with this year’s global elections. Through the Tech Accord commitment to Combat Deceptive Use of AI in 2024 Elections, we’ve taken multiple steps to protect the electoral processes, including arming political parties, campaigns, news organizations, and voters with tools to increase transparency, authenticate content, and safeguard the integrity of our democratic processes.
At Microsoft, we understand that technology is not just about hardware and software; it’s about the people it serves and the processes it enhances. As we look toward the conventions, we are reminded of the importance of coming together to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.