Microsoft blocks revenge porn and fake porn from Bing search results, following Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Reddit, Pornhub, and OnlyFans, using StopNCII's hash database

Microsoft has released updates to protect its services and individuals from

https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/2024/09/05/an-update-on-our-approach-to-tackling-intimate-image-abuse/

Microsoft removes revenge porn from Bing search using new tool
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/microsoft-removes-revenge-porn-from-bing-search-using-new-tool/

Microsoft joins coalition to scrub revenge and deepfake porn from Bing
https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/microsoft-joins-coalition-to-scrub-revenge-and-deepfake-porn-from-bing-195316677.html

Microsoft gives deepfake porn victims a tool to scrub images from Bing search | TechCrunch
https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/05/microsoft-gives-deepfake-porn-victims-a-tool-to-scrub-images-from-bing-search/

Since 2015, Microsoft has been aware of the reputational, emotional and other devastating impacts of NCII when shared online. However, as technology evolves, the impact of NCII becomes more severe and complex as realistic synthetic images, or ' deepfakes ,' become a problem and generative AI makes deepfakes easier to create. Examples of NCII are revenge porn and fake porn, which are pornographic images created using deepfakes.

A male high school student who posted nude photos of a classmate online was ordered to appear - GIGAZINE

by Miles Cave

'Fake porn is more damaging than revenge porn,' says lawyer - GIGAZINE

Therefore, Microsoft has published a policy white paper on July 30, 2024 to protect Americans from deep fake abuse, with a focus on protecting women and children from online sexual exploitation.

As part of this effort, Microsoft announced a partnership with StopNCII , run by the Revenge Porn Helpline, part of the international charity SWGfL . StopNCII is a platform that users can use to protect themselves from having their private images shared online without their consent. It allows users to create a ' hash ' or digital fingerprint of their images (including synthetic images) without uploading them from their device. This hash data is used by a variety of industry partners, including Facebook, TikTok, Reddit, Pornhub, Instagram, OnlyFans, and Snapchat, to detect NCII.

Microsoft announced that it will partner with StopNCII to experimentally use the StopNCII database to prevent images from appearing in Bing image search results. Microsoft has revealed that as of the end of August 2024, it has removed 268,899 images using the StopNCII database.

In addition, Microsoft explained that it has a responsibility to protect users from illegal and harmful online content while respecting fundamental rights, and that it is working to achieve its goal of eliminating NCII across its services by adopting a risk-based approach. Across its consumer services, Microsoft does not allow the sharing or creation of NCII without the individual's permission. This includes photorealistic NCII content created or modified using technology. Microsoft explained that 'we do not allow the distribution of NCII on our services, nor do we allow content that praises, endorses or requests NCII.'

Microsoft also stated that it will not tolerate threats against sharing or publishing NCII. This includes demanding or threatening money, images, or other valuables in exchange for not publishing NCII. In addition to this comprehensive policy, Microsoft explains that it will also implement customized prohibitions on related platforms, such as the Microsoft Store, to prevent the spread of NCII.

In addition, Microsoft explained that it will continue to remove content reported directly to it worldwide, as well as content reported as violating content by NGOs and other partners. Users can also request the removal of NCII through Microsoft's centralized reporting portal. However, since NCII that can be reported through the centralized reporting portal is for content aimed at people aged 18 and over, content aimed at people under the age of 18 must be reported separately as 'child sexual exploitation content.'

Digital Safety | Report a concern
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/DigitalSafety/report-a-concern