CLAIM: Microsoft plans to “disable computers of users who share ‘non-mainstream content’ online.”
AP’S ASSESSMENT: False. An article by a website known to publish erroneous content misrepresented an interview with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on NBC about artificial intelligence. Nadella discussed how to reduce “unintended consequences” of AI, including misinformation, but made no mention of disabling computers.
THE FACTS: Social media users are sharing a screenshot of a baseless article titled: “Microsoft To Disable Computers of Users Who Share ‘Non-Mainstream Content’ Online.”
One post on X, formerly Twitter, that shared the screenshot alleged, as the article does, that the supposed decision is part of a plan to “combat so-called ‘misinformation’ in the run-up to the 2024 election.” It had received approximately 11,000 likes and 8,700 shares as of Tuesday.
But the article provides no evidence that supports its claim. It comes from a website called The People’s Voice, previously known as NewsPunch, which has published numerous stories based on fabricated information.
As supposed proof of Microsoft’s plan, the People’s Voice story includes a clip from an interview Nadella gave to “NBC Nightly News” Anchor Lester Holt at the end of January in which he talks about how to address the “unintended consequences” of AI, such as misinformation, while also amplifying its benefits.
At no point in the interview does Nadella say that Microsoft is going to disable anyone’s computer for...
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