Microsoft President Says AI Faces Fewer Regulations Than a Carton of Milk

Microsoft President Brad Smith stated in an ITV interview that artificial intelligence currently operates with fewer safety rules than consumer goods like washing machines and cartons of milk. Smith warned that the lack of formal regulation is putting global cybersecurity at risk, pointing out that everyday grocery items cannot hack companies or governments the way frontier models can. The US administration under President Donald Trump has explicitly favored industry self-regulation over formal government oversight to maintain a competitive edge against China, recently brokering a voluntary safety pact among major AI CEOs. Seeing a vacuum in US federal action, Smith urged the UK to capitalize on the moment and establish itself as the global leader in AI regulatory frameworks. "Right now, your washing machine is subject to more safety rules than AI. Every carton of milk that you see in the grocery store is subject to safety rules and inspection." — Brad Smith