Microsoft president Brad Smith called for urgent global AI regulation, arguing that AI poses greater cybersecurity risks than consumer products like washing machines. Smith emphasized the need for international safety rules, stating the 'moment has arrived' to address AI's risks.
Smith argued the U.K., not the U.S. or European Union, is best positioned to lead on AI safety rules. The U.K.'s AI Security Institute (AISI), launched in 2023, has access to major models from U.S. labs before deployment and has become a leader in AI safety testing.
Despite recent U.S. political pressure, including Donald Trump's warnings against 'globalist' organizations, AISI confirmed it can access and test the latest models. Smith noted the U.S. does not view the U.K. as a key player in AI regulation, which he called a 'strength'.
"In Washington, D.C., people don't look at the U.K. and they don't look at London the way they look at Brussels," Smith said. He highlighted the need for legal obligations to alert organizations if their systems are breached by rogue AI agents.
The announcement follows a White House meeting where tech leaders signed a 'morally binding' document to work with independent auditors. Smith said the agreement is a 'good step,' but he stressed the need for stronger, mandatory regulation.
Smith did not specify how AI labs should be regulated, and he raised concerns about companies not complying with voluntary self-regulation. He called for global collaboration to address AI risks, emphasizing the need for calm and firm action.
Source: techcrunch
