Microsoft says AI is less regulated than milk and washing machines

Microsoft president Brad Smith is calling for more AI regulations.

Speaking to BBC News, the executive noted that milk and washing machines are even more regulated than AI. To address these gaps, Smith called for global safety rules that include legal requirements for companies to notify victims if they’ve been compromised by rogue AI agents, decisions regarding when outside evaluators should sign on AI products before release and “emergency brakes” or “killswitches” should AI get out of control.

“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,” he said.

Notably, Smith’s comments come as U.S. President Donald Trump goes all in on AI, trying to paint the technology in a positive light while cozying up to Big Tech and even signing an executive order to rename it “super intelligence.” (Hilariously, he says anyone who doesn’t use this made-up term is the “enemy.”) “Whoever wins AI, wins,” Trump has said.

Moreover, Smith’s comments come alongside calls for regulation and development slowdowns from other top AI companies over safety concerns. However, these sudden safety concerns were sparked by nebulous notions of a future rogue AI attacking humanity instead of the various current, real harms from AI. You know, like the impact of data centres on the environment, or misinformation, or the myriad ways AI is being used to scam people. Just to name a few.

While Smith undeniably has a point regarding a need for more protections surrounding AI, it’s certainly funny to hear it coming from Microsoft’s top brass. After all, the Windows maker is one of the most AI-pilled companies in the world. It’s unclear why Microsoft, if it is indeed now apparently concerned about AI, didn’t push for regulations sooner with its immense resources.

“When you look at AI agents that have escaped human control, when you look at models that are so powerful that they’re putting the world’s cybersecurity at risk. I would say: The moment has arrived,” Smith told BBC News.

“Let’s speak calmly, maybe even softly, but firmly, and start to bring people together. I hope that’s the role we can play as a company.”

Image credit: Netflix