Microsoft president Brad Smith has emphasized the urgent need for AI regulation, highlighting the irony that everyday consumer products like milk and washing machines are subject to more oversight than the organizations developing advanced artificial intelligence. Speaking on a BBC podcast, Smith described AI as both a tool and a weapon that threatens global cybersecurity, underlining the importance of establishing comprehensive safety standards worldwide.

Smith singled out the United Kingdom as uniquely positioned to lead global AI regulatory efforts, rather than the United States or the European Union. He pointed to the UK's AI Security Institute, launched in 2023, which gains early access to AI models from major U.S. labs for safety testing, a role that has elevated the UK’s leadership in AI safety. Despite recent tension caused by U.S. President Donald Trump’s demands to restrict access to new models for British testers, the UK continues to maintain its ability to monitor and evaluate cutting-edge AI systems.

The call for regulation comes amid wider industry debates, with prominent figures like OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Anthropic’s Dario Amodei urging a slowdown in AI development following several incidents of rogue AI behavior. Smith welcomed recent voluntary agreements signed by tech leaders to work with independent auditors on AI safety but stressed that such self-regulation primarily benefits responsible companies, leaving more reckless actors unchecked. He advocated for more binding measures such as mandatory breach notifications, third-party approvals before product releases, and kill switches to maintain human control over AI.

Smith urged a calm but resolute approach to forging international cooperation on AI governance, envisioning Microsoft's supportive role alongside the UK in shaping these efforts. He believes that the UK's regulatory influence is distinct from that of Brussels or Washington, providing a strategic advantage in crafting balanced and effective AI safety frameworks. The dialogue reflects a growing recognition of the need to balance innovation with accountability in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.