Microsoft President Brad Smith Sheds Light on AI Governance in Europe
In Brief
Microsoft president Brad Smith is in Brussels to talk about AI governance in Europe and internationally, as part of the “Europe’s Digital Transformation – Embracing the AI Opportunity” event hosted by Microsoft.
Smith says that AI will accelerate economic growth in Europe but also poses challenges that need to be managed, such as ethical, legal, and social implications.
He proposes a five-point blueprint for governing AI, addressing key issues and suggesting public-private partnerships.
Microsoft president Brad Smith is delivering a keynote speech, “Advancing AI Governance in Europe and Internationally,” at the “Europe’s Digital Transformation – Embracing the AI Opportunity” event on June 29 in Brussels.
The EDT2023 conference, hosted by Microsoft, explores how Europe can harness the potential of AI for its digital transformation and benefit from its applications in fields like healthcare, education, automotive, and manufacturing.
“AI will accelerate economic growth in Europe. As we embrace the opportunity, we must manage its challenges,”
Smith wrote on Twitter.
In a blog post published today, Smith outlined a five-point blueprint for governing AI, addressing key issues and suggesting public-private partnerships. The five-point blueprint, which was published last month, aims to address current and emerging AI issues through public policy, law, and regulation. The key points are as follows:
- Implement and build upon new government-led AI safety frameworks.
- Require safety brakes for AI systems that control critical infrastructure, similar to fail-safe systems in other technologies.
- Develop a broader legal and regulatory framework based on the technology architecture for AI, distinguishing regulatory responsibilities at different layers of the technology stack: applications, models, and infrastructure layers.
- Promote transparency in AI systems and expand access to AI resources for academic research and the nonprofit community.
- Pursue new public-private partnerships to address societal challenges related to AI through collaboration between the public and private sectors
In May, Brad Smith expressed concerns about deepfakes and emphasized the need for mechanisms to differentiate between genuine content and AI-generated fabrications. During a speech on AI regulation, he highlighted the risks of foreign cyber-influence operations. Smith advocated for licensing crucial AI types with obligations to safeguard security, both physical and cybersecurity, as well as national security.
Europe’s Early AI Regulation Efforts
Smith highlights the importance of organizations developing their own governance systems for AI. According to Smith, Microsoft has implemented ethical principles and translated them into corporate policies, which are continuously refined through training, tooling, and testing. The sensitive use review program was established to rigorously assess specific AI use cases, resulting in tailored guidance.
Microsoft underlines the need for responsible AI practices through company culture, including hiring diverse talent and fostering a multidisciplinary approach. Smith emphasizes the collective journey to shape a responsible future for AI and the need for continuous improvement as technology evolves.
The EU is developing an AI Act to govern the use and development of artificial intelligence, which could shape global standards. The act includes requirements for foundational models in generative AI technologies, mandating providers to implement safety checks, data governance measures, and risk mitigations before releasing products.
Read more:
- Microsoft President Brad Smith Outlines Key Goals for Building the Foundation for Responsible AI
- Microsoft Lays off Its Entire Ethical AI Team While It Focuses Its Efforts on OpenAI
- EU Urges Tech Giants to Label AI-Generated Content to Fight Disinformation
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About The Author
Agne is a journalist who covers the latest trends and developments in the metaverse, AI, and Web3 industries for the Metaverse Post. Her passion for storytelling has led her to conduct numerous interviews with experts in these fields, always seeking to uncover exciting and engaging stories. Agne holds a Bachelor’s degree in literature and has an extensive background in writing about a wide range of topics including travel, art, and culture. She has also volunteered as an editor for the animal rights organization, where she helped raise awareness about animal welfare issues. Contact her on agnec@mpost.io.
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Agne is a journalist who covers the latest trends and developments in the metaverse, AI, and Web3 industries for the Metaverse Post. Her passion for storytelling has led her to conduct numerous interviews with experts in these fields, always seeking to uncover exciting and engaging stories. Agne holds a Bachelor’s degree in literature and has an extensive background in writing about a wide range of topics including travel, art, and culture. She has also volunteered as an editor for the animal rights organization, where she helped raise awareness about animal welfare issues. Contact her on agnec@mpost.io.
