Microsoft has banned police departments from using its Azure OpenAI service for facial recognition.

Last Thursday, May 2, the mentioned technology giant introduced wording into its code of conduct according to which the specified service cannot be used by police departments in the United States. Moreover, in this case, it is clarified that it is meant as a scenario for using a digital product that provides for a goal in the form of facial recognition.

Azure OpenAI provides users with the ability to develop their own copilots. Also, this service can be embraced for building apps of generative artificial intelligence.

In March, the White House unveiled a policy concept regarding artificial intelligence. This approach of the authorities to interact with advanced technology stipulates that federal agencies must provide clear opt-out options for technologies like facial recognition.

Last May, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) said that scaling up the use of biometric data provokes serious concerns about security, privacy, and discrimination. Samuel Levine, director of the FTC’s Consumer Protection Bureau, noted that in recent years biometric surveillance has become more sophisticated and pervasive, generating new threats to privacy and civil rights.

It is worth noting that scaling up the process of using and integrating artificial intelligence also significantly exacerbates cybersecurity issues. AI capabilities, like other technologies with a wide range of functions and applying options, can be a source of both benefit and harm. Scammers have access to artificial intelligence, as a result of which their activities become more sophisticated and more hidden in terms of the possibility of detection. Against the background of relevant realities, user awareness is important. For example, a query in an Internet search system, such as how to know if my camera is hacked, will allow anyone to get information about signs of unauthorized access to a personal device.

At the same time, potential risks should not be taken as a sign that artificial intelligence is solely a source of threat. The positive characteristics of AI significantly exceed all kinds of dangers. It is also worth noting that any tool of action can be used both for good and harm.