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Microsoft Advocates for a Dedicated U.S. Agency to Regulate AI

Microsoft has urged the U.S. federal government to establish a new agency explicitly designed to regulate AI, reflecting the technology's growing importance.

Microsoft Pushes for New U.S. Agency to Regulate AI

Microsoft has urged the U.S. federal government to form a new agency dedicated to the regulation of AI, according to a Bloomberg report. During a speech in Washington, DC, Microsoft's Vice Chair and President, Brad Smith, emphasized the importance of "the rule of law and a commitment to democracy" in keeping technology in its rightful place and stressed the necessity of applying these principles to AI.

Smith also advocated for the implementation of redundant AI circuit breakers, fail-safe measures that would facilitate swift shutdowns of algorithms when necessary.

The Microsoft leader further proposed that President Biden should issue an executive order requiring all federal agencies working with AI tools to adhere to the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) risk management framework. Smith confirmed Microsoft's intention to comply with NIST's guidelines and publish an annual AI report to ensure transparency.

Microsoft's call for AI regulation aligns with similar sentiments expressed by OpenAI and Google. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman testified before Congress advocating for a "new entity" to regulate AI and suggested implementing "independent audits" of models. Meanwhile, Kent Walker, CEO President of Global Affairs for Google and Alphabet, recently called for "broad-based efforts" to translate technological breakthroughs into widespread benefits while mitigating risks.

Smith's speech, which lasted an hour, also lauded the advancements in AI, comparing its significance to historical game-changers like the printing press and electricity. In a blog post echoing his speech, Smith stated, "AI offers perhaps even more potential for the good of humanity than any invention that has preceded it."

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