{
  "id": 13957332,
  "title": "Microsoft president says washing machines and milk face more safety rules than AI",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/microsoft-president-says-washing-machines-and-milk-face-more-safety",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-10-12T12:41:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/microsoft-president-brad-smith-shows-mirror-to-everyone-against-ai-regulation-says-right-now-your-washing-machine-and-every-carton-of-milk-you-buy-is-more-/articleshow/134893479.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Microsoft chief Brad Smith has argued that artificial intelligence (AI) requires more stringent oversight than everyday household items like washing machines and milk. Speaking to the BBC's Big Boss Interview podcast, Smith emphasized that AI's growing power and heightened risks necessitate stronger government regulations, including incident reporting, independent evaluations, and safeguards to prevent uncontrolled operation. He noted that current safety standards for products like washing machines and milk could serve as a foundation for AI regulation, rather than leaving companies to determine their own oversight levels.\n\nSmith described AI as both a tool and a potential weapon, urging governments to establish safety requirements. He proposed that AI companies should have emergency brakes, known as kill switches, to halt or slow down systems if they behave unexpectedly. Smith also called for legal obligations to report incidents and inform affected individuals when AI systems malfunction. These suggestions come as concerns mount about the potential dangers posed by increasingly sophisticated AI models and autonomous agents.\n\nThe Microsoft president's stance on AI regulation differs from that of US President Donald Trump, who has prioritized the industry's self-regulation, fearing excessive restrictions could hinder American companies' competitiveness against Chinese rivals. Smith believes the UK, with its AI Security Institute and strong technical capabilities, could play a leading role in setting international AI safety standards, suggesting that Washington might be more receptive to the UK's leadership on this issue compared to the European Union.",
  "summary": "Brad Smith, president of Microsoft, highlighted the urgency for stronger safety regulations concerning artificial intelligence. He argued that AI systems currently lack sufficient oversight compared to domestic appliances like washing machines. Smith proposed that companies developing AI should be required to meet specific safety standards and reporting requirements. He called for independent…",
  "key_points": [
    "AI requires stricter oversight than washing machines and milk, says Microsoft president Brad Smith.",
    "Smith suggests AI companies should have emergency brakes (kill switches) for unexpected behavior.",
    "UK, with its AI Security Institute, could lead international AI safety standards, Smith believes."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Microsoft president says milk faces more regulation than AI",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/microsoft-president-says-milk-faces-more-regulation-than-ai-13921291",
        "published": "2026-10-12T09:22:44.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Microsoft president says milk faces more regulation than AI",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/microsoft-president-says-milk-faces-more-regulation-than-ai",
        "published": "2026-10-12T09:26:26.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Microsoft president says milk faces more regulation than AI",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/microsoft-president-says-milk-faces-more-regulation-than-ai-13926417",
        "published": "2026-10-12T09:39:24.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "TechCentral",
        "title": "Microsoft president says milk faces more regulation than AI",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/microsoft-president-says-milk-faces-more-regulation-than-ai-13931458",
        "published": "2026-10-12T09:59:25.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}