Former Meta AI Policy Director Joins Microsoft as Director of Responsible AI

Erica Finkle '09 brings legal and public policy expertise to guide ethical AI development at Microsoft

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Erica Finkle, a Columbia Law School alumna, has transitioned from her role as AI policy director at Meta to become the director of responsible AI at Microsoft. In her new position, Finkle will work closely with product counsel and legal teams to ensure Microsoft's AI products, including the Copilot platform, adhere to compliance and ethical standards around safety, privacy, and accessibility. Finkle will also oversee internal governance processes to assess and mitigate risks related to AI models and features.

Why it matters

Responsible AI development is a growing priority for tech companies as they grapple with the societal implications of advanced AI systems. Finkle's background in law, public policy, and privacy issues positions her well to help Microsoft navigate the complex ethical challenges posed by AI, from protecting user privacy to preventing harmful manipulation.

The details

In her new role, Finkle will focus on two key areas. First, she will work closely with Microsoft's product counsel and legal teams to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards around AI development. Her legal expertise will help the company anticipate and address compliance risks. Second, Finkle will oversee internal governance processes to assess the safety, privacy, accessibility, and other ethical considerations of new AI models and features before they are released.

  • Finkle graduated from Columbia Law School in 2009.
  • She later earned a master's degree in public policy from the University of Oxford.
  • Finkle previously worked as a policy manager for the city and county of San Francisco, protecting resident privacy while making data available for research.
  • Finkle joined Meta (then Facebook) as a privacy program manager, working on issues related to youth privacy and educational privacy.
  • Finkle has now transitioned to her new role as director of responsible AI at Microsoft.

The players

Erica Finkle

A Columbia Law School alumna who previously served as the AI policy director at Meta and is now the director of responsible AI at Microsoft.

Microsoft

A multinational technology company that develops and sells software, consumer electronics, personal computers, and related services.

Meta

The parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and other social media and technology platforms.

Columbia Law School

A prestigious law school at Columbia University in New York City.

University of Oxford

A renowned public research university located in Oxford, England, where Finkle earned a master's degree in public policy.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Responsible AI is the notion that ethical principles should guide the development and use of AI. It can encompass concepts like safety, privacy, and accessibility, which apply to any technology that is developed.”

— Erica Finkle, Director of Responsible AI, Microsoft (columbia.edu)

“I grapple with this sense of responsibility by consulting with a wide range of opinions and expertise, which are then brought to bear on a lot of the ethical challenges.”

— Erica Finkle, Director of Responsible AI, Microsoft (columbia.edu)

What’s next

Finkle's work at Microsoft will likely involve continued collaboration with product counsel, legal teams, and internal governance processes to ensure the responsible development and deployment of Microsoft's AI technologies, including the Copilot platform.

The takeaway

Finkle's transition from Meta to Microsoft underscores the growing importance of responsible AI development in the tech industry. Her expertise in law, public policy, and privacy will be crucial in guiding Microsoft's efforts to build AI systems that are safe, ethical, and aligned with the needs of users and society.