We've long argued for a balanced approach to AI regulation. One that keeps humans in control. Since 2023,
@Microsoft has advocated for "safety brakes" or an “off switch" that keeps advanced AI systems under human control. And it should ensure that AI systems that control critical infrastructure and autonomous systems be run in secure cloud infrastructure with layered safeguards that provide additional intervention points as needed. Put simply, powerful AI systems should always remain under human control, including interruption, correction, and shutdown.
This approach is tried and tested. In the 1850s, Elisha Otis’ demonstration of a safety brake at the World’s Fair helped earn the public’s trust – and made modern cities possible. We should adopt this principle for AI. If we do, AI can become a powerful tool for human progress. If we don't, a lack of public trust, not regulation, will become the limiting factor that slows AI adoption.