Microsoft's president says AI is less regulated than a carton of milk

Microsoft President Brad Smith has drawn a stark comparison between the current state of artificial intelligence regulation and common consumer goods. During a recent discussion, Smith noted that AI systems currently face fewer regulatory hurdles than a simple carton of milk. While acknowledging that milk does not pose the same systemic risks as AI—such as the potential for hacking companies or government infrastructure—he highlighted the disparity in oversight. Smith’s comments underscore the growing debate within the tech industry regarding the urgent need for comprehensive AI governance. As generative AI models become increasingly powerful and integrated into critical sectors, policymakers are under pressure to establish frameworks that ensure safety and accountability. Smith’s remarks serve as a call to action for governments to accelerate the development of legislative standards that can keep pace with the rapid evolution of machine learning technologies.