Key facts
- Microsoft President Brad Smith said AI needs more global regulation than milk and washing machines.
- Smith called for global safety rules for AI, including independent evaluators and incident reports.
- He suggested the UK is well-placed to lead global AI regulation due to its AI Safety Institute.
- Smith indicated the US might view UK-led AI standards more favorably than EU standards.
- Some companies have agreed to work with independent auditors to assess AI systems.
Microsoft President Brad Smith has called for urgent global regulation of artificial intelligence, stating that the technology currently faces fewer safety requirements than everyday consumer products like milk and washing machines. In an interview with the BBC, Smith advocated for a set of global safety rules that would include independent evaluators to vet new AI developments and require companies to inform "victims" if their systems are breached by rogue AI agents.
Smith suggested that Britain is well-positioned to lead the way on AI regulation due to its AI Safety Institute, which was launched under former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. He noted that officials in Washington view London differently than Brussels, which regulates AI based on risk levels through its AI Act. Britain's institute has voluntary agreements with major AI models to assess their capabilities and risks.