Marching Towards Responsible AI: Microsoft introduces AI Customer Commitments
Microsoft introduces AI Customer Commitments, promoting responsible AI use and aiding customers in their responsible AI journey.
Microsoft has recently brought to light its strategic initiatives targeted at fostering responsible artificial intelligence (AI) practices. Antony Cook, the Corporate Vice President and Deputy General Counsel at Microsoft, shared this exciting news on June 8, 2023, highlighting the extensive possibilities that AI holds for businesses, regardless of their scale or industry sector.
Microsoft introduces AI Customer Commitments
According to Cook, Microsoft customers have significantly benefited from AI technology, driving innovation, enhancing productivity, and providing solutions to global crises such as climate change and public health issues. Yet, it’s crucial to recognize the need to maintain responsibility and guard against potential harm that could arise from the misuse of this powerful technology.
In light of the growing worldwide attention on how AI can be governed and regulated, Microsoft has made a noteworthy announcement – three pivotal customer commitments aimed at steering its customers on their respective responsible AI journeys.
First Commitment
The first of these commitments revolves around knowledge sharing. Microsoft is eager to let others learn from its journey towards responsible AI, which began in 2017. Their journey has involved a team of nearly 350 professionals spanning engineers, lawyers, and policy experts, all committed to establishing a robust governance process guiding the design, development, and deployment of AI.
In this spirit of sharing, Microsoft plans to publish crucial documents (see resources section below) including the Responsible AI Standard, AI Impact Assessment Template, AI Impact Assessment Guide, Transparency Notes, and detailed guidelines on implementing responsible AI. Alongside, they are keen to share training curriculum elements used for Microsoft employees and allocate resources to address any inquiries about responsibly deploying and using AI.
Second Commitment
The second commitment involves the launch of an AI Assurance Program. This program aims to aid customers in ensuring their AI applications are compliant with legal and regulatory norms for responsible AI usage. Among the program’s key elements are support for regulator engagement, knowledge sharing related to the AI Risk Management Framework by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and convening customer councils to gain insights on delivering compliant AI technologies. Furthermore, Microsoft has expressed its commitment to advocating for effective and interoperable AI regulation by showcasing its blueprint for AI governance.
Third Commitment
Lastly, Microsoft pledges to support customers as they responsibly implement their own AI systems, and in turn, develop responsible AI programs for their partners. To achieve this, Microsoft will form a global team of legal and regulatory experts specializing in AI to assist customers with implementing responsible AI governance in their operations.
Moreover, Microsoft plans to collaborate with partners, including PwC and EY, who have already set up comprehensive practices for evaluating, testing, adopting, and commercializing AI solutions. This collaboration aims to assist mutual customers in implementing their own responsible AI systems.
Final Thoughts
Microsoft recognizes that these customer commitments form just the beginning of a larger, evolving journey. As the technological landscape and regulatory conditions continue to change, Microsoft is committed to updating and refining its commitments accordingly. Microsoft looks forward to deepening its relationships with customers, as they collectively navigate the path to responsible AI.
In summary, Microsoft’s AI customer commitments showcase the company’s commitment to not only championing the benefits of AI but also ensuring its ethical, responsible use across a wide range of sectors.
