Microsoft President Calls for Global AI Regulation, Contrasts with Trump
Brad Smith argues AI needs stricter oversight than everyday products, suggesting the UK is well-positioned to lead international efforts.
Microsoft President Brad Smith has stated that artificial intelligence is currently less regulated than common household items like milk and washing machines, advocating for immediate global safety rules.
Smith's call for stringent oversight includes legal requirements for companies to report incidents and inform victims if their systems are compromised by rogue AI agents. He also proposed that independent evaluators should approve AI products before their release, drawing parallels to established safety protocols for other consumer goods.
"Right now, your washing machine is subject to more safety rules than AI," Smith said in a BBC interview. "Every carton of milk that you see in the grocery store is subject to safety rules and inspection."
His stance contrasts with that of former President Donald Trump, who has expressed a preference for self-regulation within the AI sector to maintain a competitive edge against China. Trump has repeatedly emphasized the importance of AI dominance, stating, "whoever wins AI, wins."
Smith, however, believes that global regulations are urgently needed, describing AI as both a "tool and a weapon." He urged for the implementation of "emergency brakes," or kill switches, to halt or slow AI if it becomes uncontrollable. He also highlighted the potential for AI to pose risks to global cybersecurity.
Smith suggested that the United Kingdom is ideally positioned to spearhead the development of these international AI regulations, citing the UK's AI Safety Institute. "In the world of technology, in the tech sector, most people that I know would say, if you ask them, name the country that is the leader in having this technical capability, they would say, it's very simple. It's the United Kingdom. They are the best," he stated.
Despite potential political differences, Smith expressed optimism that the US government would be receptive to UK-led standards, noting a more favorable perception of the UK compared to the EU in Washington D.C.
Demands for AI regulation have intensified following concerns raised by experts about the technology's potential threat to humanity. Leaders from major AI companies, including Anthropic, OpenAI, and Google DeepMind, have previously supported the idea of a slowdown in AI development, a position that has faced opposition from figures like Trump.