Microsoft Faces Pressure from EU Over Risks of Generative AI on Bing Ahead of Elections

Monday - May 20 2024, 23:05 UTC - 6 months ago

The EU has given Microsoft until May 27 to provide internal documents and data regarding the risks of generative AI on Bing, as they have identified it as a major threat to upcoming elections. Failure to comply could result in significant fines. The EU is concerned that Bing may have breached laws regarding AI risks, and Microsoft has stated their commitment to addressing these concerns. The EU is also investigating Microsoft's growing influence in the world of AI.

The European Union has put pressure on Microsoft to hand over internal documents or face fines as it investigates the risks of generative AI on the company's search engine Bing ahead of upcoming elections. Brussels has identified generative artificial intelligence as a major threat to elections being held across the 27-country bloc from June 6-9. In March, the EU requested information from Bing, as well as Google Search, TikTok, and YouTube, about the actions they have taken to mitigate AI risks .

However, Microsoft did not fully respond to the request and provide information on the specific risks of its generative AI features, including 'Copilot in Bing' and 'Image Creator by Designer', leading the European Commission to take action. Microsoft has been given until May 27 to provide internal documents and data, and failure to comply could result in penalties of up to one percent of their total annual income .

The EU is concerned that with the implementation of their Digital Services Act, Bing may have breached laws regarding AI risks, such as the creation and spread of false information and deepfakes, as well as automated manipulation of services for misleading voters. A spokesperson for Microsoft stated that they are committed to addressing the commission's demands and have taken steps to mitigate potential risks on their platforms .

The EU is also keeping a close eye on Microsoft's growing influence in the world of AI, particularly through its investments in OpenAI and a partnership with French startup Mistral AI. The commission is examining whether Microsoft's relationship with OpenAI constitutes a disguised merger, and they are also investigating the 15-million-euro partnership between Microsoft and Mistral AI. The EU is determined to ensure that tech companies are complying with regulations and mitigating risks, particularly in regards to the use of generative AI .