Science & Tech · AI · 6 hrs ago
Microsoft president calls for global AI safety rules
Microsoft president Brad Smith says artificial intelligence needs safety rules set by governments around the world.
He argues that AI is less regulated than products such as milk and washing machines.
Smith wants companies to have emergency controls to pause AI systems if they become dangerous.
He also proposes requiring companies to report serious incidents and notify people affected by a rogue AI system.
Independent government evaluators could check some AI products before they are released.
His call differs from US President Donald Trump’s position that the industry should regulate itself, and Smith says the UK could help lead global rule-making because of its AI Security Institute.
Microsoft President Brad Smith said AI needs global safety rules, including legal reporting duties and independent checks.
He said AI systems should have emergency brakes that can pause or slow them if they become dangerous.
Smith said firms should have to report incidents and notify people affected when AI systems go rogue.
He argued that milk and washing machines face more safety rules than AI.
Smith said the United Kingdom was best placed to lead work on global AI rules.
His call contrasts with US President Donald Trump’s view that the sector should regulate itself.
- Who
- Brad Smith, president of Microsoft, called for global AI safety rules.
- What
- He proposed legal incident reporting and victim notification, emergency brakes, and independent evaluation of some AI products.
- When
- The BBC published the interview on 11 October 2026.
- Where
- Smith made the comments in an interview with the BBC’s Big Boss Interview.
- Why
- He said AI is both a tool and a weapon and needs urgent regulation.
Brad Smith
Donald Trump
Approach to regulation
Brad Smith
Smith called for global safety rules and legal requirements for AI firms.
Donald Trump
Trump said the sector should regulate itself so US firms do not lose out to Chinese rivals.
AI safeguards
Brad Smith
Smith proposed emergency brakes, incident reports, victim notification and possible independent government evaluation.
Donald Trump
The article does not specify Trump’s position on these individual safeguards.
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.
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AI both a "tool and a weapon
They are the best
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- Proposed safeguards
- Emergency brakes, incident reports, victim notification and possible independent evaluation
- Smith’s role
- President of Microsoft
- Interview outlet
- BBC
- Potential UK leadership
- Smith cited the UK’s AI Security Institute
Sources
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