Microsoft President Brad Smith Urges Global AI Safety Regulations

Microsoft President Brad Smith called for the urgent implementation of global regulations for artificial intelligence, arguing that AI currently faces fewer safety requirements than common consumer products. In an interview with the BBC, Smith noted that washing machines and cartons of milk are subject to more safety rules and inspections than AI systems.

Smith proposed a regulatory framework that includes the use of independent evaluators, mandatory incident reports, and the implementation of an emergency brake for AI systems. He also advocated for requirements to notify victims if a rogue AI agent breaches a system.

Smith identified Britain as a primary candidate to lead these efforts because of the AI Security Institute, which currently assesses models under voluntary agreements. While the European Union utilizes the AI Act to regulate AI based on risk levels, British AI Minister Kanishka Narayan stated that the government would consider formal regulation of advanced models if voluntary systems prove insufficient.