Balancing AI Hope, Hype and Hazards: Leveraging Opps and Countering Threats Like Deepfakes

As Vice President of Public Affairs, Brent Colburn leads a global team responsible for Microsoft’s communications efforts related to public policy, legal affairs and social impact. This work includes efforts on the front lines of some of the most complex and diverse issues at the intersection of technology, public policy and corporate reputation such as privacy, cybersecurity, environmental sustainability, human rights, accessibility and corporate social responsibility. Brent brings a range of public sector, government and political experience to his role, having started his career working on political campaigns, including as national communications director for President Obama’s successful re-election. His government service included stints leading public affairs at FEMA, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense. Following his time in Washington, DC, Brent joined the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative as their first Vice President for Communications before moving into a series of communications and government affairs roles at leading institutions of higher education.  He most recently served as Senior Vice President for Communications and External Affairs for the University of California system after holding a similar role at Princeton University.