Brad Smith, Microsoft President: Washing machines are better-regulated than AI

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. Or think about the aeroplanes we get on - you can get on a plane in London, you can fly to Athens or New York. Either way, that plane has been certified so that it’s considered safe by the aircraft regulators in both countries. We know how to do this for other products. We should build on that knowledge and start to think about how to apply it to AI.”

Will Bain speaks to Brad Smith, Microsoft President and Vice-Chairman, about adapting to AI.

The 59-year-old American joined the global technology giant in 1993 as part of its legal team. Over the next two decades, he worked his way to the top of the corporation and became President in 2015 before taking on the additional role of Vice-Chairman six years later.

As one of the most influential figures in the global technology industry, Smith has spent decades working alongside world leaders, governments and regulators, helping to navigate some of the most complex challenges facing the digital age, from cyber security and data privacy to market competition and the growing power of big tech.

Smith observes AI’s rapid development closely, and although he understands the many opportunities it will create, he also supports regulation.

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Presenter: Will Bain Producers: Olie D'Albertanson and Ben Cooper Editor: Damon Rose

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(Image: Brad Smith Credit: Zed Jameson/Bloomberg via Getty Images)