AI is less regulated than milk, says Microsoft president

Microsoft president Brad Smith has stated that artificial intelligence (AI) is currently less regulated than everyday items such as milk and washing machines. Smith believes that global safety rules are necessary for AI, including a legal obligation for companies to inform victims if their systems are breached by rogue AI agents, as well as decisions on whether outside evaluators should approve AI products before they are released.

This stance contrasts with that of US President Donald Trump, who advocates for AI to self-regulate to prevent US firms from falling behind Chinese competitors. Smith argues that many products already have more stringent safety rules than AI, citing washing machines and milk cartons as examples. He further proposes that AI firms should implement "emergency brakes" to halt AI systems when they become uncontrollable, and that independent government evaluators should review new AI technologies.

Smith believes the United Kingdom, with its AI Security Institute, is well-positioned to lead the global development of AI regulations due to its technical capabilities. Despite Trump's call for the US to lead in AI development, Smith suggests that the US might be more open to UK-led regulations than the European Union. The president of Microsoft believes the time has come to address AI regulation, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach to ensure AI is developed responsibly.