Microsoft President Calls for Urgent AI Regulation, Cites UK as Leader

Microsoft’s president has sounded the alarm on artificial intelligence regulation, arguing that consumer products like milk and washing machines have more oversight than companies building AI. Brad Smith made this point in a recent BBC podcast appearance, where he described AI as both a ‘tool’ and a ‘weapon’. He warned that its unregulated development poses significant cybersecurity risks to the world.

Smith emphasized that global safety rules are urgently needed, citing the UK’s unique position to lead on this issue. The country’s AI Security Institute has gained prominence in recent years due to its access to major models from US frontier labs before deployment. This role is under threat following a warning by US President Donald Trump against ‘globalist’ organizations.

Despite Trump’s pushback, Smith remains confident that the UK can regulate AI effectively, citing its distinct relationship with Brussels and Washington D.C. He believes this difference in perspective could be an advantage for the country. The Microsoft president also praised Britain’s AI Security Institute as a leader in AI safety testing.

The recent White House meeting between tech leaders and Trump has sparked debate on voluntary self-regulation versus stricter oversight. Smith views the signed ‘morally binding’ document as a step forward but argues that it falls short of what is needed to ensure AI safety. He emphasized that companies with questionable ethics are more likely to disregard such agreements.

Smith outlined several key regulations he believes should be implemented, including mandatory alerts for organizations whose systems have been compromised by rogue AI agents. He also supports the idea of outside evaluators approving AI products before release and the use of ‘kill-switches’ to pause or slow down AI if humans lose control. The Microsoft president hopes that his company can play a role in bringing people together on this issue.