Baku:Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith has called for the implementation of new artificial intelligence safety laws, emphasizing that tech companies should focus on preventing harm rather than merely warning about potential risks.

According to Anadolu Agency, Smith made these remarks at the International AI Summit 2026, highlighting that AI capabilities have evolved more rapidly than the protections in place. He stressed the need for the industry to act proactively, saying, "The world here in Europe or anywhere does not expect our industry simply to warn about what could go wrong. They expect us to prevent it. They expect us to take action."

Smith described 2026 as "a sobering year for AI safety," referencing incidents involving rogue AI agents and AI worms. He advocated for industry support of regulation, incident reporting, and independent evaluations, noting, "We need law. We need regulation. It needs to be sensible. It needs to be balanced."

OpenAI Chief Financial Officer Sarah Friar also addressed the summit, endorsing global cooperation among AI developers. Friar mentioned that OpenAI is currently withholding an unreleased model for further safety evaluations, while cautioning against impeding development to the extent that cyber defenders fall behind. She remarked, "So the folks with malicious intent have the tools. So we need to make sure the defenders have the tools."

Both leaders emphasized the importance of regulation and proactive measures to ensure AI safety, advocating for transparent and balanced approaches that support innovation while addressing potential risks.