New AI Features and Policies to Microsoft

We have all probably heard of AI or artificial intelligence by now. But did you know Microsoft has an AI tool that doesn’t only just recognize our facial features, but also can identify our mood. And now, Microsoft had decided to retire and rework this AI tool and modify how it is used.

Azure Face is an emotion recognition tool. These are highly criticized by experts who believe they violate human rights.

Microsoft has just published the updated version of its Responsible AI Standard.

It wants AI to be a positive tool, and says it recognized Azure Face has the potential to be misused.

But, it seems like it’s not totally goodbye for good for the AI facial recognition technology

Although the public won’t be able to access it, Microsoft sees the value of controlled access for those with specific needs. One benefit to their AI facial recognition could be giving assistance for the visually impaired.

One thing that has been cut is the AI’s ability to recognize individuals based on their gender, age, hair, and even facial expression. The concern is that the feature could be used by cyber criminals to impersonate individuals and commit fraud.

On top of the Azure Face change, Microsoft’s also limiting which businesses can access its Custom Neural Voice service. This is a text to speech app that’s said to sound extremely lifelike.

And this is not the only new step that Microsoft is taking right now to help protect us from fraud and threats.

Microsoft is also adding new features to its email service in Microsoft 365, that improve how Tenant Allow Block List works.

Previously, this was a feature that allowed people to block contacts. If a blocked contact tried to email you, the email wouldn’t reach you.

Now, Microsoft is previewing an additional control which also allows you to stop emails being sent to these blocked contacts.

It means the threat of being caught out by a phishing scam is reduced. And this gives you another layer of security as part of your Microsoft 365 subscription.

With phishing scams becoming increasingly more dangerous, it’s not a moment too soon in our view. Using security features like this will make you less likely to undergo a ransomware attack.

The feature should go into preview soon, and is expected to be available by the end of the month. In the meantime, if you’re concerned about your business’s email security, get in touch with us at Itechra.

Published with permission from Your Tech Updates.