False report claims Microsoft will ‘disable computers’ if users share ‘non-mainstream content’

CLAIM: Microsoft plans to “disable computers of users who share ‘non-mainstream content’ online.” AP’S ASSESSMENT: False. 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. 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. The People’s Voice also links to an article about Nadella’s interview on another website, which states that the CEO’s response to Holt’s question “seemed to imply a willingness to use technology for censoring content in pursuit of fighting what he identified as disinformation.” This story does not claim that Microsoft will be disabling computers as part of such an effort.