Microsoft President Says UK Best Positioned to Lead AI Regulation

microsoft regulation

2026-10-12 | Source: TechCrunch on MSN | Original article

Microsoft President Brad Smith says the UK is best positioned to lead AI regulation, urging urgent oversight as current controls lag behind those for milk and washing machines.

Microsoft President Brad Smith has called for urgent, global regulation of artificial intelligence, arguing that the technology currently operates with less oversight than everyday consumer goods such as milk or washing machines. Speaking on a BBC podcast, Smith said AI is “both a weapon and a tool” and warned that its unchecked deployment could destabilise global cybersecurity. Smith singled out the United Kingdom as the most suitable nation to spearhead international AI safety rules. He pointed to the UK’s AI Security Institute – created under former prime minister Rishi Sunak’s government in 2023 – which already has privileged access to major AI models from leading U.S. labs before they are released. According to Smith, that early‑access capability gives the institute a practical edge in testing and overseeing new systems, positioning the UK to shape a global regulatory framework more effectively than the United States or the European Union. The remarks build on concerns raised earlier this week, when we reported that AI enjoys far fewer safeguards than milk and washing machines. Smith’s comments underscore a growing consensus among industry leaders that existing self‑regulation is insufficient and that coordinated policy is needed to manage risks ranging from misinformation to weaponisation. What to watch next: the UK government’s response to Smith’s appeal, including any legislative or funding moves for the AI Security Institute; potential diplomatic initiatives to align UK‑led standards with U.S. and EU efforts; and reactions from other AI developers, who may be asked to share model details under the proposed regime. The next few weeks could see the first concrete steps toward a trans‑Atlantic AI safety pact.

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