The National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC) has submitted a proposal urging shareholders of Microsoft Corporation to vote in favor of Proposal 9, which calls for increased transparency and accountability in the company's use of external data for artificial intelligence (AI) development. The proposal, to be voted on in the 2024 proxy ballot, requests Microsoft to prepare a report assessing the risks associated with unethical or improper usage of external data in AI, the steps taken to mitigate these risks, and the effectiveness of such efforts. The NLPC highlights concerns over privacy and ethical challenges in AI development, citing Microsoft's partnership with OpenAI and its ties to the U.S. Intelligence Community as potential sources of distrust. The NLPC argues...Show More

The National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC) has submitted a proposal urging shareholders of Microsoft Corporation to vote in favor of Proposal 9, which calls for increased transparency and accountability in the company's use of external data for artificial intelligence (AI) development. The proposal, to be voted on in the 2024 proxy ballot, requests Microsoft to prepare a report assessing the risks associated with unethical or improper usage of external data in AI, the steps taken to mitigate these risks, and the effectiveness of such efforts. The NLPC highlights concerns over privacy and ethical challenges in AI development, citing Microsoft's partnership with OpenAI and its ties to the U.S. Intelligence Community as potential sources of distrust. The NLPC argues that adopting strong privacy-centered policies could set Microsoft apart as a trusted leader in the industry. The proposal also addresses the broader implications of AI data ethics, including the potential for mass surveillance and erosion of privacy. It suggests that a commitment to ethical AI and data privacy could enhance shareholder value and provide Microsoft with a competitive advantage. The NLPC's submission is voluntary and not a solicitation of authority to vote proxies.