Microsoft president Brad Smith warns AI is less regulated than milk and demands 'kill switches' now

From the Newshound archive · first published 12 October 2026.

Brad Smith, president of Microsoft, has put himself on a collision course with President Trump by demanding urgent global rules for AI, including legal obligations to notify victims when rogue AI agents breach their systems. Smith told the BBC that washing machines and milk cartons face stricter safety oversight than artificial intelligence, calling the gap "unacceptable". He said firms must install "emergency brakes" — kill switches to pause runaway AI — and that new AI products should be vetted by independent government evaluators before reaching the market. Smith said the UK, through its AI Security Institute, is best placed to lead the push for global rules.

Trump has pushed back against AI regulation, arguing the sector should police itself so US firms stay ahead of Chinese rivals.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella backed the call on Saturday, demanding AI models carry an "emergency brake" to prevent unchecked development.

The leaders of Anthropic, OpenAI and Google DeepMind have each voiced support for slowing AI's pace — placing Silicon Valley's most powerful figures in conflict with the White House.