FX.co ★ Microsoft's Engineer Accuses Copilot Of Producing Disturbing Content: CNBC

Shane Jones, an engineer at Microsoft Corp., has reportedly voiced concerns to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding the tech giant's artificial intelligence image generator. The matter arises from Microsoft's alleged refusal to remove the tool known as Copilot Designer, which Jones claims has the potential to create damaging images.

In an interview with CNBC, Jones revealed that he had warned Microsoft multiple times about disturbing content produced by the tool. After taking the initiative to test its vulnerabilities, Jones was distressed by the images it generated.

Despite his alarm, Microsoft apparently took no action to withdraw the tool or enhance its safeguards. The company failed to update its rating to 'mature' in the Android store and instead advised Jones to take the issue up with OpenAI, the creator of the DALL-E model underpinning the results of Copilot Designer.

After OpenAI ignored his complaint, Jones aired his grievance publicly on LinkedIn. When Microsoft's legal team instructed him to delete the post, he took his concerns to lawmakers, other interested parties, including the FTC, and Microsoft's board of directors.

Jones wrote in a letter to FTC Chair Lina Khan that Microsoft and OpenAI have been informed of the issues since October at least. He warned that they continue to market the product to 'Anyone. Anywhere. Any Device.' He called upon the FTC to intervene.

Jones conveyed his concern about Microsoft's purported approach to responsible AI, flagging Copilot Designer's production of harmful content. The generated images involve depictions of sex, violence, underage drinking, drug abuse, political bias, trademark misuse, and conspiracy theories.

Speaking with CNBC, he commented on the absence of systems to report and fight the international dissemination of harmful images. He emphasized the urgency for Microsoft to strengthen their safety team and put necessary protections into place.

Jones claimed the demands on the Copilot team are excessive, stating that they receive "over 1,000 product feedback messages every day". Due to the alleged lack of staff, Microsoft is currently only dealing with "the most blatant issues", Jones told CNBC.