Microsoft's Bing search engine has partnered with StopNCII.org to tackle the growing threat of non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII) and AI deepfakes online. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the tech industry's efforts to protect individuals, particularly women and girls, from the devastating impacts of intimate image abuse.
Microsoft's Strategic Partnership with StopNCII
StopNCII.org, operated by the UK-based charity SWGfL, employs innovative technology that allows users to create digital fingerprints or “hashes” of their intimate images without uploading the actual content. These hashes are then shared with participating companies to detect and remove the images from their services. Microsoft's integration of this system into Bing makes it the first search engine to join the initiative.
The partnership has already shown promising results. By the end of August, Microsoft had taken action on 268,899 images flagged through the StopNCII database, preventing them from appearing in Bing image search results. This victim-centered approach addresses concerns that user reporting alone may not effectively scale or adequately address the risk of imagery being accessed via search engines.
Microsoft's commitment extends beyond this partnership. The company has implemented a comprehensive policy prohibiting the sharing or creation of intimate images without consent across its services. It has also introduced a centralized reporting portal for users to request removal of NCII content and in-product reporting options for certain services like gaming and Bing.
The Growing Threat of Deepfakes
The rise of AI-generated deepfakes has amplified the urgency of addressing NCII. Microsoft acknowledges that generative AI technologies could potentially exacerbate the harm caused by intimate image abuse. In response, the company has implemented measures to prevent the creation of sexually explicit content through its AI services.
This initiative aligns with Microsoft's broader efforts to combat election-related deepfakes and disinformation. The company has pledged to help prevent deceptive AI content from interfering with global elections in 2024. Microsoft plans to launch a U.S. public awareness campaign encouraging voters to be vigilant against deepfake manipulation, promoting a “Check, Re-Check and Vote” approach.
As the threat of deepfakes continues to evolve, Microsoft is advocating for policy and legislative changes to deter bad actors and ensure justice for victims. The company has joined a new multistakeholder working group focused on developing best practices to combat NCII.
This partnership between Microsoft Bing and StopNCII.org represents a significant step forward in the fight against online abuse and misinformation. By leveraging advanced technology and fostering collaboration across the tech industry, Microsoft is setting a new standard for protecting user privacy and combating the spread of harmful content online.
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