Microsoft President Brad Smith calls for global safety regulations for AI, arguing that milk and washing machines currently face more stringent safety standards (Mitchell Labiak/BBC)
Milk and washing machines are currently more regulated than AI, the president of Microsoft has said.
Microsoft President Brad Smith has called for global safety regulations for artificial intelligence (AI), arguing that current standards for milk and washing machines are stricter. Speaking to the BBC's Big Boss Interview podcast, Smith emphasized the need for legal obligations to inform victims if their systems are breached by rogue AI agents, as well as requiring independent evaluators to sign off on AI products before release.
Smith's stance contrasts with that of President Donald Trump, who advocates for self-regulation by US firms to avoid losing competitiveness to Chinese companies. Smith stressed that AI systems, which he describes as both a "tool and a weapon," urgently require regulation to prevent potential threats to humanity. He proposed the implementation of "emergency brakes" or "kill switches" to halt AI if it becomes uncontrollable and a legal requirement for companies to report incidents and notify victims in case of AI-related breaches.
Smith also suggested that independent government evaluators should supervise new AI technologies. He believes the UK, with its AI Security Institute established under former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, is best positioned to drive global AI regulations due to its advanced technical capabilities. Smith acknowledged the need for self-regulation but argued that the current voluntary measures are insufficient, especially considering the potential for less responsible companies to cause harm.
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