Microsoft president: AI needs more regulation than milk

Microsoft president Brad Smith has stated that artificial intelligence (AI) is currently less regulated than products like milk and washing machines. Smith emphasized the need for international safety regulations, including a legal obligation to inform "victims" if their systems are breached by a rogue AI agent. He also proposed that external evaluators should approve AI products before their release.

Smith's comments starkly contrast with the views of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has advocated for self-regulation within the sector to ensure American firms maintain competitiveness against China. According to Smith, "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."

Demands for laws and rules to control AI have grown after sector experts have expressed concerns that the technology poses a threat to humanity. Although the heads of major U.S. AI companies such as Anthropic, OpenAI, and Google DeepMind have supported the idea of an AI development slowdown, Trump has opposed this approach.

In an interview, Smith described AI as both a "tool and a weapon" that urgently requires regulation. He proposed "emergency brakes," commonly known as 'kill switches,' to pause or slow down AI if it goes out of control. Furthermore, he believes there should be a legal requirement for companies to produce "incident reports" and notify victims if the technology malfunctions. Smith identified the United Kingdom as being best positioned to drive forward global AI regulations, citing its AI Safety Institute.