Microsoft has reiterated its stance against U.S. police departments utilizing its generative AI for facial recognition through Azure OpenAI Service, a platform tailored for enterprise applications of OpenAI technology.
On Wednesday, Microsoft introduced language amendments to the terms of service for Azure OpenAI Service, explicitly prohibiting integrations with the platform for facial recognition purposes by U.S. police departments. This ban extends to both current and potential future image-analyzing models developed by OpenAI.
Global Law Enforcement Covered
Additionally, the updated terms now encompass law enforcement globally, preventing the use of real-time facial recognition technology on mobile cameras, such as body cameras and dashcams, for identifying individuals in uncontrolled environments.
Concerns Raised by Critics
The policy revision follows the recent unveiling of a new product by Axon, a company specializing in law enforcement technology, which employs OpenAI’s GPT-4 generative text model to summarize audio captured by body cameras. Critics have voiced concerns about potential issues like hallucinations and racial biases introduced by the AI.
Uncertainty Surrounding Usage
It remains uncertain whether Axon utilized GPT-4 via Azure OpenAI Service and if Microsoft’s updated policy was prompted by Axon’s product launch. OpenAI had previously imposed restrictions on facial recognition use through its APIs.
Microsoft’s Flexible Approach
The updated terms of service leave room for flexibility, restricting Azure OpenAI Service usage only for U.S. police departments and not internationally. Additionally, while facial recognition use by U.S. police is prohibited, it does not extend to stationary cameras in controlled environments.
Collaboration with Government Agencies
Microsoft’s partnership with OpenAI extends to collaborating with government agencies, including the Department of Defense (DoD), on various projects. Azure OpenAI Service was made available in Azure Government in February, catering to additional compliance needs for government entities.
Clarification from Microsoft
Microsoft clarified that the ban on facial recognition usage applies solely to the U.S. and is not a blanket prohibition on police departments using the service.