Microsoft has initiated a research project aimed at estimating the influence of specific training examples on generative AI outputs. The effort, described in a job listing, seeks to demonstrate how models can trace the impact of data like photos and books. This project, involving technologist Jaron Lanier, aims to promote 'data dignity' by acknowledging and potentially compensating data contributors. The initiative comes amid ongoing lawsuits against AI firms regarding copyright issues, highlighting the need for transparency in AI training practices. Microsoft has yet to comment on the project.