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Microsoft President Brad Smith has called for global safety rules for artificial intelligence. Source: bbc.co.uk.
He said AI is currently less regulated than everyday products like milk and washing machines.
AI Regulation: A Growing Need
Smith made the remarks during a BBC interview.
He said AI systems pose real risks to public safety and global stability.
Products like milk and washing machines have strict safety rules and inspections.
AI lacks such oversight today.
Key Safety Measures Proposed
- Emergency brakes: AI systems should have ‘kill switches’ to stop operations if they go out of control.
- Incident reporting: Companies must notify victims when AI breaches privacy or causes harm.
- Independent evaluations: Third-party auditors should review AI products before release.
Smith said these rules are based on existing safety practices for appliances and food.
Why the UK Is Seen as a Leader
Smith said the UK is best positioned to lead global AI regulation.
That’s because of the AI Safety Institute launched during Rishi Sunak’s government.
He said most tech experts agree the UK has the strongest technical capability in AI safety.
Smith believes the UK could set a model for international AI standards.
Contrast with U.S. Position
Smith’s view differs from U.S. President Donald Trump’s.
Trump says AI should be self-regulated by private firms, not governments.
He claims ‘whoever wins AI, wins,’ favoring rapid innovation over safety.
Smith believes the U.S. may accept UK-led standards more than the EU.
He said Washington doesn’t view London the same way it views Brussels.
He acknowledged that U.S. tech firms signed a ‘morally binding’ agreement with independent auditors.
Still, Smith said this step is good but not enough.
What to Watch Next
Global AI regulation efforts are expected to grow.
Key questions include whether the UK’s AI Safety Institute can shape global standards.
How U.S. and EU policies evolve will also matter.
Smith concluded: ‘The moment has arrived. Let’s speak calmly, maybe even softly, but firmly, and start to bring people together.’
His remarks show a growing agreement among tech leaders that AI needs clear, enforceable rules — not just private self-regulation.
Source: BBC News, original article
