Science & Technology · 4 Beginner · October 12, 2026
AI Needs More Rules, Says Microsoft Leader
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Vocabulary
controlledkənˈtroʊldverb (past participle)
managed or regulated so that something works properly and safely
Milk production is carefully controlled to make sure it is safe to drink.
safety rulesˈseɪfti rulznoun phrase
official guidelines that protect people from harm or danger
Washing machines have safety rules to prevent accidents when people use them.
globalˈɡloʊbəladjective
affecting or involving the whole world
Smith thinks AI needs global rules so that all countries follow the same safety standards.
emergency brakesɪˈmɜrdʒənsi breɪksnoun phrase
safety systems that quickly stop something dangerous from continuing
Smith calls these safety measures emergency brakes because they help stop AI if it causes problems.
goes wrongɡoʊz rɔŋverb phrase
fails or stops working correctly; has a bad result
Companies should tell people if AI goes wrong so they know what happened.
specialˈspeʃəladjective
different from others; designed for a particular purpose
The United Kingdom has a special AI Safety Institute that studies how to keep AI safe.
Article
Brad Smith works at Microsoft. He says AI is not controlled like other things. Milk has safety rules. Washing machines have safety rules. But AI does not have these rules yet. Smith thinks this is a problem.
AI Needs Safety Rules
Smith says AI needs global rules now. Companies should tell people if AI goes wrong. Outside experts should check new AI before people use it. Smith calls these safety measures emergency brakes. They help stop AI if it causes problems.
The UK Can Lead
Smith thinks the United Kingdom should make these AI rules for the world. The UK has a special AI Safety Institute. Smith says the UK is the best country for this job. Other tech leaders agree. The UK has the knowledge to do this work.
Discussion Questions
Does your country regulate AI like it regulates milk?
What are emergency brakes for AI?
Why does Brad Smith think the UK should lead on AI rules?