Brad Smith, the president of Microsoft, stated that AI is currently less regulated than products such as milk and washing machines. He emphasized the need for global safety rules, including a legal obligation for companies to inform individuals if their systems are breached by rogue AI agents. Smith's comments contrast with those of President Donald Trump, who advocates for self-regulation in the AI sector to maintain competitiveness against Chinese firms. Smith noted, "Right now, your washing machine is subject to more safety rules than AI. Every carton of milk that you see in the grocery store is subject to safety rules and inspection."
The call for regulation has intensified as experts express concerns about AI's potential threats to humanity. Leaders from major US AI companies, including Anthropic, OpenAI, and Google DeepMind, have supported the idea of slowing down AI development, while Trump has opposed this notion. In an interview with the BBC, Smith described AI as both a "tool and a weapon" that requires urgent regulation. He proposed that firms implement "emergency brakes" or 'kill switches' to control AI if necessary and suggested that independent government evaluators should assess new AI technologies.
Smith praised the UK for its potential leadership in establishing global AI regulations, referencing the AI Security Institute launched during Rishi Sunak's tenure as prime minister. He stated, "In the world of technology, most people that I know would say, if you ask them, name the country that is the leader in having this technical capability, they would say, it's very simple. It's the United Kingdom. They are the best."
Contrasting Trump's views, Smith believes the US government may be more receptive to UK-led AI regulations than to those proposed by the EU. He remarked, "In Washington DC, people don't look at the UK and they don't look at London the way they look at Brussels – that's a strength."
Smith highlighted the urgency of addressing AI's risks, stating, "When you look at AI agents that have escaped human control, when you look at models that are so powerful that they're putting the world's cybersecurity at risk. I would say: The moment has arrived." He expressed hope that Microsoft and the UK could play a role in fostering collaboration on AI regulation.
At a recent White House meeting, Trump hosted leaders from major tech companies, including OpenAI and Google, where they signed a "morally binding" document agreeing to work with independent auditors to ensure their AI systems function as intended. Smith expressed support for this initiative but stated, "I don't think it's sufficient any longer," emphasizing the need for accountability from all companies in the AI sector.