Skip to main content

Microsoft releases PhotoDNA for public use to help fight the spread of child pornography

microsoft distributing windows holographic developer kit at gdc 2017 hololens mixedworld rgb
Image used with permission by copyright holder
In the grueling yet all too necessary fight against child pornography, one company has long led the charge. Microsoft has been a key advocate and warrior against the spread of such images across the web, selling its related software services to social media companies like Facebook and Twitter for years to prevent child porn from being uploaded to such platforms.

But now, the firm is giving away this software, Microsoft’s PhotoDNA, to the public for free. In an effort to stem the flow of more than 720,000 abuse images that appear online every single day, Microsoft’s cloud version of the software can be used by small businesses and individuals across the board in a collective effort to end this disgusting (not to mention illegal) practice.

In a blog post announcing the release, Microsoft noted, “The new PhotoDNA Cloud Service takes away … potential hurdles for smaller companies and other organizations that want to give users the freedom to upload content while ensuring the integrity of their platforms.” As Courtney Gregoire, a senior attorney at Microsoft’s Digital Crimes Unit said, “Finding these known child sex abuse images in that huge universe is like finding a needle in a haystack. We needed an easier, more scalable way to identify and detect these worst of the worst images … and that’s how the concept for PhotoDNA in the cloud was born.”

According to Microsoft, the technology works by allowing “companies to compare millions of photos against a hash set of child sexual abuse images,” a set that is “derived from the ‘worst of the worst’ child pornography images uploaded to the CyberTipline by electronic service providers. John Shehan, vice president of NCMEC’s Exploited Child Division, told Microsoft, “Certainly, it’s important from a victims’ rights perspective; these are crime scene photographs. Microsoft providing this service is immense.”

Another key benefit of PhotoDNA is its reduction of the amount of time humans must spend looking at such disturbing content, which is taxing not only from an efficiency standpoint, but from an emotional and mental perspective as well. While some human content moderation is inevitable, at the very least, PhotoDNA lessens the burden, which is crucial in maintaining the well-being of many of these individuals.

If you’d like to use PhotoDNA for your own business, Microsoft allows you to apply for the service, encouraging everyone to work together in eliminating child sexual abuse images from the Web. It may be a long and arduous process, but there are few that are more worthwhile.

Editors' Recommendations

Lulu Chang
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Fascinated by the effects of technology on human interaction, Lulu believes that if her parents can use your new app…
Save $400 on this Dell PC with an RTX 4070, 32GB of RAM, 1TB SSD
The Dell XPS desktop on a table.

If you're willing to spend on desktop computer deals for a machine that will offer flagship performance for all of your needs, it's highly recommended that you go with the Dell XPS Desktop 8960. This certain configuration that's on sale from Dell will let you enjoy savings of $400 on its original price of $2,250, so you'll have to pay $1,850 -- it's still not cheap, but it's going to be worth every single penny at this discounted price. You're going to have to be quick though -- this is a clearance sale, so there's no telling when the offer expires and when stocks will run out.

Why you should buy the Dell XPS Desktop 8960
The Dell XPS Desktop 8960 isn't just an excellent PC -- it's our top pick among the best desktop computers for its flexibility to accommodate almost any budget and purpose. This particular model of the PC features the 13th-generation Intel Core i9 processor, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card, and 32GB of RAM, which will make it more than enough to tackle even the most demanding tasks, while also offering high-end gaming potential to play the best PC games for whenever you need to take a break from work.

Read more
Best color laser printers for 2024: tested and reviewed
A Brother printer on a counter in front of a brick wall.

The best color laser printers can be a great investment, saving you quite a bit of time and money. For shoppers worried about the long-term ink costs, you'll find color laser printers surprisingly affordable. Laser printers use toner, which lasts a very long time, delivering a low cost per page for monochrome documents and fast color prints. The best color laser printers offer quick performance and reliability to help keep your home office or small business productive.

If you need to scan documents for record-keeping and photo capture or want the convenience of a color copier, an all-in-one color laser printer is an essential tool for your small business or personal use. For a small added cost, you get expanded capabilities. That's why every model on this list is an all-in-one from the best printer brands.

Read more
The 5 best Wi-Fi adapters for PC in 2024
The Ugreen AC1300 Wi-Fi adapter in a desktop PC.

Whether you're designing it yourself or getting a pre-built PC, it can be easy to get a computer and realize that it doesn't have a native Wi-Fi adapter. Or, maybe it does, but you're internet speeds are getting faster, game downloads are getting bigger, you've already upgraded your router and need an adapter to match your newfound power requirements. No matter the situation, an external Wi-Fi adapter that you can add to your PC setup or even laptop setup will be worth your time. Here, we investigate the best Wi-Fi adapters for PC use. Most are incredibly affordable and just snap into a free USB port and start working.
The best Wi-Fi adapter for PC in 2024

Buy the

Read more