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Science & Technology · 4 Beginner · October 12, 2026

AI Needs More Rules, Says Microsoft Leader

AI Needs More Rules, Says Microsoft Leader
Photo: Tom Swinnen via Pexels

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Vocabulary

controlled kənˈtroʊld verb (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 rules ˈseɪfti rulz noun phrase
official guidelines that protect people from harm or danger
Washing machines have safety rules to prevent accidents when people use them.
global ˈɡloʊbəl adjective
affecting or involving the whole world
Smith thinks AI needs global rules so that all countries follow the same safety standards.
emergency brakes ɪˈmɜrdʒənsi breɪks noun 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 wrong ɡoʊz rɔŋ verb phrase
fails or stops working correctly; has a bad result
Companies should tell people if AI goes wrong so they know what happened.
special ˈspeʃəl adjective
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

  1. Does your country regulate AI like it regulates milk?
  2. What are emergency brakes for AI?
  3. Why does Brad Smith think the UK should lead on AI rules?
  4. What should companies do if AI goes wrong?
  5. Do you think AI needs more safety rules?

Open the full interactive lesson with tap-to-hear on every word →

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