Microsoft and OpenAI launched a $2 million SRF to enhance AI education among voters.
Takeaway Points
- Microsoft and OpenAI launched a $2 million SRF.
- The aim is to further AI education and literacy among voters and vulnerable communities.
- The two companies aim to fight the growing risk of bad actors using AI and deepfakes to deceive voters and undermine democracy.
What did Microsoft and OpenAI launch?
Microsoft and OpenAI on Tuesday announced the launch of a $2 million Societal Resilience Fund to further AI education and literacy among voters and vulnerable communities. Microsoft explained that In a year when two billion people all over the world will vote in democratic elections, it is more important than ever to provide tools and information that will help people navigate an increasingly complex digital ecosystem and find authoritative resources.
The tech company said that the grants delivered from the fund will help several organizations, like Older Adults Technology Services from AARP (OATS), the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA), the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), and Partnership on AI (PAI) to deliver AI education and support their work to create a better understanding of AI capabilities.
Tom Kamber, Executive Director, OATS, from AARP, said in a comment that, as artificial intelligence is used in everyday life, it is important to teach older adults about it.
“As AI tools become part of everyday life, it is essential that older adults learn more about the risks and opportunities that are emerging. We are pleased to work with Microsoft and OpenAI on this vital project to make sure that older adults 50+ have access to training, information, and support—both to enhance their lives with new technology, and to protect themselves against its misuse,” Tom said.
Alberto Fernandez Gibaja, Program Head for Digitalization and Democracy at International IDEA, said that the media and other electoral bodies will work together with communities around the world to improve their awareness about AI.
“Electoral Management Bodies, media, and civil society play a critical role in protecting and preserving democratic institutions. We look forward to working with these communities around the world to enhance their awareness and understanding of AI and how it will impact the vital work that they do,” said Fernandez.
What is the Societal Resilience Fund?
According to the report, the Societal Resilience Fund is a joint effort that follows through on public commitments that Microsoft and OpenAI have made via the White House Voluntary Commitments, and the Tech Accord to Combat Deceptive Use of AI in the 2024 Elections, in which they have committed to engage with a diverse set of global civil society organizations and academics and commited to support efforts to foster public awareness and all-of-society resilience.
The two companies aim to fight the growing risk of bad actors using AI and deepfakes to deceive voters and undermine democracy.
How will the partners use the SRF?
Older Adults Technology Services from AARP (OATS) will start a training program that will focus on educating American adults 50 and older on foundational aspects of AI. This program will include in-person as well as virtual trainings, access to guides designed specifically for this population, and special programs focused on supporting older Americans as they navigate a fast-changing and AI-enhanced world, Microsoft said.
The tech company went further to explain how other partners will use the SRF as follows: the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA) will launch an educational campaign aimed at providing clarity and awareness of the current landscape of digital disclosure methods and best practices; International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) will conduct global trainings to help foster public awareness and all-of-society electoral resilience to AI; and Partnership on AI (PAI) will build on and enhance its groundbreaking Synthetic Media Framework.
