Brief
Microsoft president Brad Smith says UK best placed to lead AI regulation
Smith told the BBC that Britain’s AI Security Institute gives it a unique advantage to shape worldwide AI safety standards.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Microsoft President Brad Smith told the BBC that the United Kingdom, not the United States or the European Union, is best positioned to drive global AI regulation. He made the comments on a BBC podcast on Oct. 12, 2026, arguing that everyday consumer products such as milk and washing machines enjoy far more oversight than artificial‑intelligence systems.
What happened
During the interview, Smith described AI as both a “weapon and a tool” that threatens global cybersecurity and said the "moment has arrived" for international safety rules. He highlighted the UK’s AI Security Institute, launched in 2023, which receives early access to major models from US frontier labs for testing. Smith claimed the institute’s role is under pressure after US President Donald Trump warned against “globalist” organisations interfering with American companies.
What the reports add
TechCrunch noted that last month Smith reportedly asked Anthropic and OpenAI to withhold new models from British testers, but the AI Security Institute confirmed it can still access and test the latest models. The outlet also reported that Smith praised the UK’s ability to regulate AI in ways the US cannot, citing his remark that “in Washington, D.C., people don’t look at the UK … the way they look at Brussels.”
What was said
Smith told the BBC, “In Washington, D.C., people don’t look at the UK and they don’t look at London the way they look at Brussels. That’s a strength.” He added that voluntary self‑regulation is insufficient because “the good companies will comply, but it’s the companies that are not as responsible that you need to worry about.” Smith also outlined rules he wants, including a legal duty to alert organisations if their systems are breached by rogue AI agents and the use of external evaluators and kill‑switches before product release.
How it came about
Smith’s remarks follow a broader industry push for tighter AI safety, including recent calls from Anthropic’s Dario Amodei and OpenAI’s Sam Altman to slow development after several rogue‑agent incidents. Earlier this month, Microsoft published a draft AI conduct code that emphasises human oversight and mandatory shutdown compliance, linking the company’s internal policy to Smith’s public advocacy.
Key facts
- Brad Smith said the UK is best placed to lead global AI regulation. (techcrunch.com)
- The UK’s AI Security Institute, launched in 2023, tests major AI models before deployment. (techcrunch.com)
- Smith called AI both a "weapon and a tool" and warned of cybersecurity risks. (techcrunch.com)
- He advocated for legal obligations to report AI breaches and external evaluator approval. (techcrunch.com)
- Smith contrasted UK regulatory capacity with the US and EU, citing a perceived advantage. (techcrunch.com)
Sources
- [1] techcrunch.com — originally reported as “Microsoft president says UK is best placed to drive AI regulation”
