Microsoft president calls for global safety rules to regulate artificial intelligence

Microsoft President Brad Smith has stated that artificial intelligence needs global safety rules, BBC News reported. Speaking on the lack of current oversight, Smith noted that items like milk and washing machines face more safety regulations and inspections than artificial intelligence systems. [1]

According to BBC News, Smith suggested specific measures, including a legal duty to notify victims if a rogue artificial intelligence agent breaches their system. He also called for clear rules on when third-party evaluators must approve an artificial intelligence product before companies release it to the public. [1]

The proposals place Smith at odds with United States President Donald Trump, BBC News reported. Trump has argued that the artificial intelligence sector should regulate itself to prevent American companies from falling behind competitors in China. Smith also stated that the United Kingdom is in the best position to lead the push for global rules. [1]

Microsoft established a dominant position in personal computing through its Windows operating system, which held over 90 percent of the market for Intel-compatible PC operating systems by the late 1990s. The technology company later expanded its business into enterprise software. [3]