Microsoft: Natasha Crampton, Pioneer of Ethical AI

Natasha Crampton: A Unique Path to Ethical AI at Microsoft

Natasha Crampton is the first head of ethical AI at Microsoft, holding a prominent position. Her professional journey began in the legal field, and she gradually shifted towards AI, where she now plays a crucial role in establishing ethical practices. Crampton emphasizes the importance of experimenting with AI, valuing non-technical skills, and engaging in relevant discussions on the subject.

For nearly seven years, Natasha Crampton has led ethical AI at Microsoft, long before technologies like ChatGPT became common discussion topics. Her work is divided into two main areas: on one hand, she collaborates with internal engineering, sales, and research teams to ensure that Microsoft’s ethical principles are upheld during the development of AI systems. On the other hand, she actively participates in external discussions on emerging laws and standards in this field.

As part of her role, Crampton is called upon to provide her opinion on ongoing legislative projects or to work with other AI labs to share and consolidate best practices. Her interest in the intersection of technology, law, and society has led her to adopt a multidisciplinary approach, combining studies in law and information systems.

The Challenges of Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Natasha Crampton's role at Microsoft is both rewarding and complex. One of the main challenges is collaborating with engineers and researchers to develop new approaches that mitigate the risks associated with technology while advancing science. There are often no obvious answers or manuals to guide these efforts.

This dynamic is stimulating, but it requires close collaboration among many disciplines within the company. Crampton notes that professionals from different backgrounds can sometimes struggle to understand each other due to distinct professional languages. Finding a common language is essential to facilitate communication between these disciplines. She also highlights the importance of remaining humble and open to pivoting based on evolving situations.

Reorienting Towards a Role in AI

For those considering a shift towards technology, Crampton first recommends familiarizing themselves with it. Understanding how it works and its limitations is crucial. She insists that technical skills are not essential to influence technological development.

According to her, much of the value lies in technical understanding combined with perspectives from the social sciences. It is essential to have sufficient technological literacy to grasp how these technologies function and are constructed. However, contributions from social scientists are just as necessary as those from technical experts.

Finally, Crampton encourages participation in public discussions about AI, whether regarding new laws, policies, or corporate initiatives. She advises expressing interest and joining like-minded groups.

When recruiting, Crampton looks for individuals who have pursued additional certifications or training, as well as transferable skills such as critical thinking, the ability to work across disciplines, and effective communication.

Her ability to bridge disciplines has been a major asset in her success. This involves engaging in dialogue with engineers and policymakers to find solutions at the intersection of these two worlds.