Microsoft President Urges UK to Lead Urgent AI Regulation
Microsoft President Brad Smith calls for immediate AI regulation, backing the UK’s leadership role.
Why it matters: The rapid evolution of AI impacts legal compliance and governance worldwide. Smith’s call signals that major legal and corporate stakeholders must prepare for imminent AI regulatory frameworks, affecting law firms, corporate legal teams, and legal tech vendors.
- Brad Smith says AI has fewer safety rules than everyday products like milk and washing machines.
- He highlights AI as both a "tool and a weapon," emphasizing cybersecurity risks.
- Smith proposes global safety rules including emergency AI 'kill switches' and breach notification obligations.
- He identifies the UK, with its AI Security Institute launched in 2023, as best positioned to lead global AI regulation efforts.
Microsoft President Brad Smith has publicly urged for urgent regulation of artificial intelligence, highlighting that AI currently faces fewer safety regulations than everyday products like milk or washing machines. Smith stressed the urgent need for a global framework to govern AI’s development and deployment.
Describing AI as both a "tool and a weapon," Smith highlighted potential risks including threats to global cybersecurity. He proposed that companies should implement legal obligations, such as informing victims if AI systems are breached by rogue agents, and incorporate emergency "kill switches" to halt operations if AI becomes uncontrollable.
Smith pointed to the United Kingdom as the best-placed country to lead global AI regulation efforts. He cited the UK’s AI Security Institute, launched in 2023, which has access to major AI models from leading US labs prior to deployment, enhancing its role in safety testing and oversight.
Contrasting the UK with the US and EU, Smith noted that Washington views London more favorably than Brussels when it comes to AI governance. He envisions the UK playing a central role in bringing stakeholders together calmly and firmly to build consensus on AI safety.
Smith’s comments come amid increasing concern from tech leaders—including those from Anthropic and OpenAI—calling for a slowdown in AI development to address safety concerns. In September 2026, President Donald Trump convened major tech firms at the White House to discuss AI safety, resulting in a "morally binding" agreement to submit AI models to independent audits.
While recognizing these voluntary steps as positive, Smith emphasized that self-regulation is insufficient. He called for mandatory regulations to ensure accountability and safety across all AI companies, especially those less responsible.
By the numbers:
- 2023 — Launch of the UK’s AI Security Institute
- September 2026 — US President Trump hosts AI safety meeting with top tech leaders
- September 2026 — Tech companies agree to morally binding audits of AI models
Yes, but: Smith acknowledges positive voluntary efforts but insists self-regulation alone can’t manage AI risks adequately.
What's next: The UK is expected to expand regulatory frameworks around AI safety, building on the AI Security Institute’s foundation.