Microsoft president and top lawyer Brad Smith has announced a program that aims to use AI to preserve the world’s cultures in the face of globalization. Microsoft will be channeling $10 million (nearly Rs 68.66 crores) into this AI project. Through its AI for Cultural Heritage, Microsoft hopes to use technology to help preserve things like endangered languages and cultural artifacts all around the globe.
It “will use AI to work with nonprofits, universities and governments around the world to help preserve the languages we speak, the places we live and the artifacts we treasure,” Smith wrote in a blog post.
We can use tech in new ways to protect timeless values. That’s why we’re expanding our #AIforGood initiative to launch AI for Cultural Heritage to use AI to preserve and make more accessible the languages, historical places and artifacts of the world. https://t.co/JamJz5Iyk2
— Brad Smith (@BradSmi) July 11, 2019
“These projects have given us confidence that we can put AI to innovative uses that can help communities expand access to culture and explore new perspectives and connections through shared experiences,” said Smith.
Microsoft also said that while it’s their business to advance technology, “technology should respect and even help protect the world’s timeless values”.