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Brad Smith

All articles tagged with #brad smith

world4 months ago

Microsoft dismisses two employees over office protest

Microsoft fired two employees involved in a protest sit-in at the office of President Brad Smith, where they demanded the company cut ties with the Israeli government. The protest, organized by No Azure for Apartheid, was part of ongoing demonstrations criticizing Microsoft's alleged involvement in surveillance and human rights issues in the Middle East. The company responded by dismissing the employees for policy breaches and launched an investigation into its cloud platform's use.

world4 months ago

Microsoft Responds to Protests and Israeli Military Ties

Microsoft President Brad Smith addressed the media after protesters occupied his office to oppose the company's contracts with Israel, emphasizing the company's commitment to human rights and distancing from the protesters, while also discussing investigations into misuse of Microsoft technology and security concerns. Smith highlighted ongoing internal and external dialogues about the company's role in the Middle East conflict and security measures to protect its facilities.

world4 months ago

Microsoft faces protests and security concerns over Israeli military ties

Protesters stormed Microsoft's headquarters, occupying Brad Smith's office to protest the company's alleged support of genocide, leading to a lockdown. The demonstration was part of ongoing protests against Microsoft's cloud contracts with Israel, highlighting concerns over data use in Gaza and West Bank, and echoing similar actions taken by Google employees.

technology2 years ago

Microsoft's Uncertainty Surrounding OpenAI and AI Safety

Microsoft President Brad Smith stated that there is no chance of super-intelligent artificial intelligence (AI) being developed within the next year, emphasizing that it could take decades. This comes after concerns were raised by researchers at OpenAI, a company focused on artificial general intelligence (AGI), about a potentially dangerous discovery. Smith highlighted the need for safety measures in AI systems to ensure they remain under human control, comparing it to safety brakes in elevators or emergency brakes in buses.

business2 years ago

Microsoft's $1bn Acquisition of Activision Blizzard Marks a New Era in Gaming

Brad Smith, Microsoft's President and Chief Legal Officer, utilized the company's $1 billion law and lobbying machine to successfully win the battle for Activision. Smith's strategic approach involved leveraging Microsoft's extensive legal and lobbying resources to navigate the complex regulatory landscape and secure the necessary approvals for the acquisition. This victory highlights the significant role that legal and lobbying efforts can play in shaping the outcome of high-stakes corporate battles.

business2 years ago

UK Minister Stands Firm on CMA's Block of MS/ABK

UK business minister Kemi Badenoch defends the Competition and Market Authority's decision to block the Microsoft-Activision deal, disagreeing with Microsoft president Brad Smith's comment that the block is "bad for Britain." Badenoch argues that the CMA's decision is not an outlier and that it is important for the UK to make decisions that are right for them. Smith criticizes the CMA's ruling, stating that it discourages innovation and investment in the UK.

business2 years ago

Marshall University President Brad Smith named West Virginia's wealthiest person.

Brad Smith, former CEO of Intuit, has become West Virginia's richest person with a net worth of $700 million. Smith, who grew up in West Virginia, returned to his alma mater, Marshall University, as its president in January 2022. He and his wife have also founded the Wing 2 Wing Foundation, which focuses on education, entrepreneurship, and the environment in Appalachia. Smith plans to transform Marshall University to ensure that all graduates leave campus debt-free and land in the careers of their choice.

business2 years ago

"Microsoft's Activision Deal Faces UK Hurdles and Call of Duty Concerns"

Microsoft's president, Brad Smith, met with UK finance minister Jeremy Hunt to discuss the company's $69 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard, which was blocked by British competition authorities in April. Smith said he would work with regulators to seek UK approval for the deal and address any concerns they may have. Smith also spoke about the need for AI governance and regulations to govern it, saying it should not be the sole responsibility of tech companies.

technology2 years ago

Microsoft President Urges Action on AI Regulation and Deepfakes.

Microsoft President and Vice Chair, Brad Smith, has called for faster regulation of AI, stating that it has more potential for the good of humanity than any other invention preceding it. Smith suggested the implementation of AI safety protocols and a watermark system to prevent instances like deepfakes and misleading ads. He also supports the creation of a new government agency to regulate AI systems and suggested an executive order where the government only buys AI services from companies implementing AI safety protocols. Smith believes that job disruptions due to AI will unfold over years, not months, and that a new skill set will be needed to adapt.

technology2 years ago

Navigating the Risks of AI: Microsoft and White House Take Action

Microsoft president Brad Smith has unveiled his "blueprint for public governance of AI" at a language arts museum in Washington, calling for tighter regulations on AI that controls critical infrastructure. Smith has spent years asking for legislation, establishing himself as a rare tech executive whom policymakers view as trustworthy and proactive. His policy wisdom is aiding others in the industry, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who consulted with Smith as he prepared policy proposals discussed in his recent congressional testimony.