Tech giant Microsoft has been accused of censoring terms like “maternity leave” because they are not inclusive enough.
The tool, which can suggest alternatives to improve writing, such as synonyms and grammar corrections, now appears to have been expanded to detect when a user’s language is “not inclusive.”
When typing “maternity leave,” users are now prompted to use “birth-related leave,” “parental leave,” or “birth-related leave.”
And when he refers to paternity leave – the free time that the father takes – he suggests as an alternative a “license to bond with the children.”
When users type “maternity leave,” they are greeted with a message that says, “Inclusiveness.” This term may not include all genders.
The tool, which can suggest alternatives to improve writing, such as synonyms and grammar corrections, now appears to have been expanded to detect when a user’s language is “not inclusive.”
The inclusion tool, which is part of Microsoft’s artificial intelligence feature, was launched in 2019, but recently came under fire after a screenshot of its maternity suggestions was uploaded to social media.
Prompts are voluntary only, meaning users can turn them off if they don’t want to see alternative options.
On social media, some called the suggestions an “absolute joke.”
The inclusion tool, which is part of Microsoft’s artificial intelligence feature, was launched in 2019, but recently came under fire after a screenshot of its maternity suggestions was uploaded to social media.
Tips are available in all Microsoft software, including Word, Outlook, and Powerpoint.
This is not the first time that the AI functions launched by the firm have caused controversy.
It was announced earlier this year that Microsoft is considering adding an extra key to its signature QWERTY keyboard.
When pressed, the key will allow users to quickly access the Copilot AI assistant.
Copilot can be used to help with a variety of tasks, such as organizing files and windows on a user’s screen and performing more useful Internet searches.
In a blog post announcing the update, Microsoft’s chief consumer marketing officer, Yusuf Mehdi, said the company was “ushering in a significant shift toward a more personal and intelligent computing future in which AI will be seamlessly integrated.” on Windows, from system to silicon to hardware.’
He said adding the Copilot key would “simplify people’s computing experience but also amplify it” and “allow people to participate in the AI transformation more easily.”
A video shared by Microsoft shows how the new button will feature the Copilot logo and will be located between the Alt key and the left arrow key on the keyboard.
Microsoft has been contacted for comment.