Microsoft's president is calling for global AI safety rules, warning the tech is less regulated than milk

Microsoft $MSFT President Brad Smith called for a global framework of AI safety rules on Monday, arguing that milk and washing machines are currently subject to more regulatory oversight than artificial intelligence.

In an interview with the BBC, Smith outlined a package of proposed rules: companies would be legally obligated to inform affected individuals when an AI agent goes rogue and compromises their systems, file formal "incident reports," and submit new AI products to review by independent government evaluators before those products reach the market. He also said firms need "emergency brakes" — sometimes called kill switches — to pause or slow AI systems if they get out of control.

"Right now, your washing machine is subject to more safety rules than AI," Smith told the BBC. "Every carton of milk that you see in the grocery store is subject to safety rules and inspection."

Smith pointed to Britain as the natural home for this kind of global regulatory leadership, crediting its AI Security Institute — established during Rishi Sunak's tenure as prime minister — as the foundation for that role. He noted that Washington's attitude toward the United Kingdom stands apart from its posture toward the European Union, which regulates AI through its AI Act.

"In Washington DC, people don't look at the U.K. and they don't look at London the way they look at Brussels — that's a strength," Smith told the BBC.

Smith's position puts him at odds with President Donald Trump, who has argued that the AI sector should regulate itself so U.S. companies do not lose ground to Chinese rivals and has said "whoever wins AI, wins." Smith said he does not believe the U.S. government would be as resistant to U.K.-led AI standards as Trump's public comments suggest.

Smith acknowledged a recent pledge among companies to bring in independent auditors to examine AI systems, calling it a welcome step, but he was quick to add that it was no longer enough on its own. "The good companies will do what you want," he said. "It's the companies that are not as responsible that you need to worry about."

Britain's AI Minister Kanishka Narayan has said the country would consider regulating advanced AI models if the current voluntary system proved insufficient, according to Reuters.