Microsoft and OpenAI Launch Initiative to Educate Voters on Artificial Intelligence

Microsoft and OpenAI have unveiled a significant initiative: a $2 million fund aimed at educating voters about the deceptive uses of artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfakes, especially as the election season approaches. This new initiative, known as the Societal Resilience Fund, will grant financial support to civil society organizations and educational groups, empowering voters to recognize the escalating risks associated with AI manipulation in the political landscape.

The urgency for such a program is underscored by recent incidents, such as the fake phone calls targeting New Hampshire voters during the state primary, which featured a synthetic audio recreation of President Biden urging residents to stay home. The technology responsible for this deception was developed by ElevenLabs, a synthetic voice platform that has since taken steps to mitigate similar occurrences.

As part of their commitment to enhancing public awareness about AI, which aligns with their broader Voluntary AI Commitments undertaken in collaboration with the White House, Microsoft and OpenAI are directing their funding towards organizations such as the AARP’s Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).

OATS plans to apply its grant funds towards creating comprehensive training programs tailored for individuals over the age of 50. These programs will focus on imparting essential AI knowledge through both in-person and virtual sessions. Tom Kamber, executive director of OATS, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “As AI tools become integrated into our daily lives, it is crucial that older adults familiarize themselves with both the risks and opportunities associated with these advancements.”

International IDEA aims to utilize its funding to develop training programs specifically for Electoral Management Bodies, which include local and state election authorities. Such programs are designed to equip these entities with the knowledge required to navigate the challenges presented by AI technology in the electoral process. “Electoral Management Bodies, media, and civil society play a critical role in safeguarding democratic institutions,” noted Alberto Fernandez Gibaja, program head for digitalization and democracy at International IDEA. He expressed eagerness to collaborate with global communities to enhance their understanding of AI’s implications for their essential work.

Additionally, Microsoft and OpenAI are extending their financial support to the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity, which intends to launch an educational campaign focused on digital disclosure. Furthermore, they are collaborating with the Partnership on AI (PAI) to refine its Synthetic Media Framework, which is vital for ensuring transparency within generative AI applications.

In this pivotal election year, as approximately 2 billion individuals worldwide prepare to cast their votes, providing accessible tools and reliable information is more crucial than ever. Teresa Hutson, Microsoft’s corporate vice president for fundamental technology rights, articulated this sentiment in a blog post, highlighting the need for voters to successfully navigate an increasingly intricate digital environment and access authoritative resources.