Microsoft has reinforced its prohibition on U.S. police departments utilizing generative AI for facial recognition via Azure OpenAI Service, a comprehensive enterprise platform built around OpenAI technology.
Recent amendments to the terms of service for Azure OpenAI Service explicitly forbid its integration with police departments in the U.S. for facial recognition purposes. This includes both current and potential future image-analyzing models developed by OpenAI.
Global Law Enforcement Restrictions
Additionally, the updated terms extend the restriction to encompass “any law enforcement globally,” specifically prohibiting the use of real-time facial recognition technology on mobile cameras such as body cameras and dashcams in uncontrolled environments.
These policy changes coincide with concerns raised following Axon’s announcement of a new product utilizing OpenAI’s GPT-4 text model to summarize audio from body cameras. Critics highlighted potential risks such as hallucinations and racial biases inherent in the training data.
Uncertainty Surrounding Implementation
We still don’t know if Axon used GPT-4 via Azure OpenAI Service or if this product launch prompted the policy update. Previous restrictions by OpenAI on facial recognition usage through its APIs had already been in place.
The updated terms allow for flexibility, as the complete ban applies solely to U.S. police departments and does not cover international usage. Furthermore, it excludes facial recognition conducted with stationary cameras in controlled environments, though any use by U.S. police is still prohibited.
Alignment with Recent Trends
This move aligns with Microsoft’s and OpenAI’s recent strategies regarding AI-related contracts with law enforcement and defense agencies. Despite previous reservations, OpenAI is now collaborating with the Pentagon on cybersecurity initiatives. Similarly, Microsoft has proposed leveraging OpenAI’s tools for military software development.
Azure OpenAI Service was integrated into Microsoft’s Azure Government product in February, offering enhanced compliance and management features tailored for government agencies, including law enforcement. Microsoft Federal’s SVP, Candice Ling, emphasized the platform’s forthcoming authorization for DoD missions.
Clarification from Microsoft
Following publication, Microsoft clarified that the ban solely pertains to facial recognition in the U.S. and does not constitute a blanket prohibition on police department usage of the service.
