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Microsoft president says UK is best placed to drive AI regulation
Microsoft President Brad Smith advocates for urgent AI regulation, arguing the UK is best positioned for leadership in global AI safety, citing the UK's AI Security Institute as pivotal for oversight. He criticizes the US's lack of focus on AI development risks, despite facing pushback from President Trump against overseas testing. Smith pushes for stricter regulations to ensure responsible AI practices amid rising AI safety concerns.
Key points
- Brad Smith highlights the need for AI regulation, noting that consumer products have more oversight than AI.
- He calls AI a 'weapon and a tool' that threatens global cybersecurity.
- The UK, through its AI Security Institute, is positioned as a global leader in AI safety testing.
- Smith comments on the threat from President Trump's administration towards global AI collaborations.
- He suggests mandatory breach reporting for AI systems and pre-release approvals from outside evaluators to enhance safety.
Why it matters
- The focus on AI regulation aligns with the increasing emphasis on tech ethics and governance seen in 2025.
- Historical precedents in tech regulation (like GDPR in Europe) illuminate the complexities of managing emerging technologies.
- Tech industry leaders recognizing safety responsibilities echo trends towards accountability in fast-developing sectors.
Smith's call for UK-led AI regulation emphasizes the urgent need for global governance amidst rapid technological advancements, stressing that only comprehensive regulations can ensure responsible AI development and safety.