The Download: Microsoft’s online reality check, and the worrying rise in measles cases

MIT Technology Review

by Rhiannon Williams

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Microsoft has unveiled a new plan to tackle the growing issue of AI-enabled deception online, aiming to identify and verify real content amidst the proliferation of deepfakes and hyperrealistic AI-generated material. As AI tools like interactive deepfakes and accessible synthetic media models make it increasingly difficult to distinguish reality from manipulation, Microsoft’s research team has evaluated existing methods for detecting digital tampering. Their findings highlight the urgent need for standardized technical approaches that AI companies and social media platforms can adopt to combat this emerging threat. The rise of AI-generated deception poses significant risks to trust in online information, with consequences ranging from misinformation campaigns to the erosion of public confidence in technology. Microsoft’s blueprint, shared with MIT Technology Review, emphasizes the importance of collaboration between stakeholders to establish consistent verification standards. This effort is particularly critical as malicious actors continue to exploit AI tools for deceptive purposes, making it essential for tech companies to prioritize transparency and accountability. Meanwhile, public health concerns are also under the microscope, as measles cases surge in regions like London and South Carolina. Since the beginning of the

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Originally published on MIT Technology Review on 2/20/2026