Microsoft President Brad Smith Calls for Global AI Safety Rules
publishers 26articles 31first reported 10 Oct, 20:59 UTCdeveloping since 11 Oct · 9 editions
Microsoft President Brad Smith called for binding global safety rules for artificial intelligence, arguing that AI currently faces less oversight than everyday products such as milk and washing machines.
In a BBC interview, Smith said voluntary self-regulation was no longer sufficient because less responsible companies might not comply. He proposed legal requirements for companies to report incidents and notify victims when rogue AI agents breach their systems. He also supported independent external reviews before powerful AI products are released and “emergency brakes,” or kill switches, to pause or slow systems that escape human control.
Smith described AI as both a tool and a weapon and said some models and autonomous agents could put global cybersecurity at risk. He called a recent voluntary safety agreement signed by major technology executives a positive step but said formal regulation was still needed.
Smith said the United Kingdom was best positioned to lead the development of global standards, citing the technical capabilities of its AI Security Institute and arguing that Washington views British regulation more favorably than European Union regulation.
His position differs from that of U.S. President Donald Trump, who has advocated industry self-regulation and faster AI development to maintain an advantage over China. Smith urged governments and companies to begin developing enforceable safeguards now.
HOW THIS STORY WAS MADE
Written from 8 articles, 3 with the publisher's own text; 8 independent newsrooms once syndicated copies count as one; this version written 42 h after the record first saw the story; the editor kept it as written.
- Publishers
- 26
- Source articles
- 31
- Given to the writer
- 8, 3 with the article's own text
- Independent newsrooms
- 8
- This version written
- 42 h after the record first saw the story
- Second model (editor)
- kept as written
- Publication gate
- passed
- Human review
- none
WHAT THE EDITOR DID
The second model checked the writer's draft against the same sources and published it as written.
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