Evolving and serving Tech solutions, with ethical, empathetic and engaged spirit: The Microsoft Way

Rarely, you get a chance to get perspective on impact of Technology innovation on societies by a legal counselor, who understands both the nuances and capabilities of new technologies and also different perspectives and concerns around these technologies seen from wide range of stakeholders. 

What, if government asks for an enterprise data from tech company, at the same-time restrict the tech company to let the concerned enterprise know about the request?  What if the government asks of global tech companies, for information that resides in data-center located in another country? The bigger question is that shall as owner of my face, do I deserve to be asked by tech companies before using my facial signature for whatever purpose, especially when I fear this may lead to bias or discrimination?

Brad smith brings to life, with help of instances, the balancing acts tech companies have to ensure, between individual and enterprise privacy rights and governments rights to know for genuine reasons of preventing or investigating crimes or public safety, for example.  He goes on to describe the evolutionary path tech sector has gone through to help address these challenges situations in a principled, legally supported (CLOUD ACT), technology enabled (say encryption) manner, and also given the Microsoft’s stand on some of the contentious concerns.

The initiatives and demands made by some governments (Denmark, NZ or EU) often forces global tech companies to develop solutions that would become easy to be offered across the globe.  Microsoft commitment to offer same level of protection to all customers irrespective of their location across the globe, means that the most demanding customers or stringent regulations define the base level for privacy for all, across the globe.  

Similar set of interesting questions and relevant lessons from history are raised around Cybersecurity, rural broadband, social media, public safety and use of AI. 

Brad presents a very balanced assessment of likely impact of AI on workforce, using impact of introduction of automotive and replacement of horses as historical disruption that created new industries (eg. Consumer credit) and decimated existing ones (farms producing horse feeds, eg.).   Yes, in the intermediate, there would be economic losers and winners, but in the long run technological advancements leads to overall improvement in quality of life for all.  Most important question, and most difficult to answer, is how soon will AI type of technologies become mainstream! Agreed.

As Bill gates puts it, BRAD SMITH offers a clear view of the questions raised by new technologies- and yes, also his suggestions of path forward, that needs considered deliberations among the stakeholders- Governments and Company Management. 

Governments, especially within democracies, needs to act fast to match the pace of technology innovation.  Brad suggests that governments approach towards regulation needs to be similar to introducing minimum viable product (regulations) and then build up as more data, experience and understanding comes their way.  Waiting to understand technology in its full nuances and its impact in totality, in quest for comprehensive fool-proof regulation may not work. 

As Technology companies are global, their effective regulation would require multi-lateral comity of nations coming together to design and agree to global standards and principles for regulations- which in increasingly complex world is difficult to achieve.  Brad has hope on the part of the 75 odd democratic nations to form coalition of the willing, to develop some common regulatory provisions and principles, with US taking the necessary lead.     

Self-regulation within companies, are within the control of Companies Boards and can provide necessary support in gaining and retaining stakeholders trust.  Brad proposes principles based approach to handling issues then case-to case handling of instances and then sticking to principles, whatever be the cost help retain trust.  Microsoft, own decision by its ethics committee to refuse selling facial recognition technology to Government, on citizens liberty concerns, is a case in point. 

Brad has very well brought forth the issues and concerns facing linked to technology innovation and the increasing might and responsibilities of global tech companies in defining better future for the globe, working with stakeholders in a proactive, engaged and enlightened manner.

Off-course- this book is of interest to all, besides lawyers and tech-professionals for whom it falls in must-read category. Don’t read too much in its title though!