Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has followed the trend of some tech companies in trying to crack down terrorist content floating around the internet. The company has unveiled a series of new policies that are designed to combat terrorist content across its consumer services ranging from Xbox Live to Outlook email service.
The only exception of a crackdown is in Bing search, where the company will only remove links once required by local law. The company may choose to show ‘positive messaging in the search results on Bing, whenever someone is conducting searches on terrorist-related material
The Washington-based company noted that they would use a twofold approach. One is that the firm will tackle terrorist content once it appears and the other is that it will investigate in partnership with others who are working to addressing this issue.
Microsoft noted on its blog that it is responsible for running various services so that they can be used as tools to empower people and not contribute indirectly to terrible acts. With the ever-increasing number of terrorist attacks worldwide, it has become a priority to find the best ways of dealing with online content that promotes violence or recruitment to terrorist groups.
Microsoft plans to fund research on a tool that scans terrorist content and flag worrisome videos, images and audio content. Since this process may take time, the company is currently relying on consumers to report questionable content to them.
Microsoft at the same time highlighted its commitment to respecting people’s freedom of expression, privacy, and right to information. The company is only seeking to find a solution for addressing online terrorism without inconveniencing and undermining the rights and values of others.
Twitter Inc (NYSE:TWTR) is another company that is cracking down terrorist material on its platform. Earlier this year, the company announced that it had suspended 125,000 accounts suspected of having terrorist ties since mid-2015.
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