Microsoft president says UK is best placed to drive AI regulation
News Source
β’Mon, 12 Oct 2026 15:31:19 +0000
π° What Happened
Microsoft president Brad Smith says AI urgently needs regulation. He argues that everyday items like milk and washing machines face more safety rules than the companies building AI. Speaking on a BBC podcast, he called AI both a 'weapon and a tool' that puts cybersecurity at risk. Smith said the UK, not the US or EU, is best placed to lead global AI safety rules. His comments come as tech leaders call for slower development after several incidents.
π The Backstory
Britain set up its AI Security Institute in 2023 to test powerful models before release. It has become a world leader in AI safety testing and gets early access to models from US labs. That role came under threat when President Trump warned against 'globalist' groups and reportedly asked AI firms to hold back models from British testers. Despite the pushback, the institute says it can still access and test the latest models.
π― Why It Matters
AI safety rules affect everyone who uses chatbots and smart tools, so who writes those rules really matters.
Microsoft president Brad Smith says AI urgently needs regulation. He argues that everyday items like milk and washing machines face more safety rules than the companies building AI. Speaking on a BBC podcast, he called AI both a 'weapon and a tool' that puts cybersecurity at risk. Smith said the UK, not the US or EU, is best placed to lead global AI safety rules. His comments come as tech leaders call for slower development after several incidents.
Britain set up its AI Security Institute in 2023 to test powerful models before release. It has become a world leader in AI safety testing and gets early access to models from US labs. That role came under threat when President Trump warned against 'globalist' groups and reportedly asked AI firms to hold back models from British testers. Despite the pushback, the institute says it can still access and test the latest models.
AI safety rules affect everyone who uses chatbots and smart tools, so who writes those rules really matters.