Proposals for Governing AI
We are in a period of rapid innovation in the development and application of artificial intelligence (AI).
Advances in generative AI—which can produce images and text from brief verbal prompts—captured the public’s attention in late 2022. Rapidly advancing AI tools known as large language models (LLMs) enable deep analysis and the generation of new images, text, software code, and even ideas.
These technologies have entered the marketplace and are already being used by researchers to advance scientific discovery. Emerging AI technologies are contributing to advances in medicine, agriculture, transportation, education, energy, and more.
Microsoft AI Policy Principles
Microsoft has released a number of papers to foster discussions about addressing current and emerging AI issues through public policy, law, and regulation. Key Microsoft publications include:
AI Policymaking in Washington, DC
Government has long played a role in fostering innovation and business growth, as well as protecting consumers through laws and regulations.
On July 23, 2025, the White House released, “Winning the Race: America’s AI Action Plan.” This milestone Plan advances a wide range of AI policy recommendations—and it may spur Congress to legislate on key AI policy issues. The Plan lays out three key pillars for U.S. policy:
- Accelerate AI Innovation—This includes support for government AI adoption and investment in AI R&D.
- Build American AI Infrastructure—This includes calls for workforce training, infrastructure permitting reform, and bolstering cybersecurity.
- Lead in International AI Diplomacy and Security—This includes exporting American AI to allies and partners, imposing strong export controls on key technologies, and leading the evaluation of AI for security risks.
In 2025 by the fall, one AI-related law was enacted: the Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes on Websites and Networks Act (TAKE IT DOWN) makes it a federal crime to distribute non‑consensual intimate images, including AI-generated deepfakes or “revenge porn.”
We encourage Voices for Innovation members to explore AI policy issues in greater detail using the resources below. Technology professionals, including VFI members, can bring their valuable expertise to discussions about AI—with family, friends, colleagues, and policymakers.
We will continue to listen closely to this discussion and will keep our membership informed about proposed AI policies as they are developed in Washington.
Latest News
U.S. Cities to Leverage AI to Improve Services
Axios
Trump signs 3 executive orders to advance AI
Nextgov/FCW
Trump AI plan pushes critical infrastructure to use AI for cyber defense
CyberScoop
Resources
Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence
The White House
Responsible AI Transparency Report
Microsoft
Microsoft’s AI Access Principles: Our commitments to promote innovation and competition in the new AI economy
Brad Smith, Microsoft on the Issues
Meeting the moment: combating AI deepfakes in elections through today’s new tech accord
Brad Smith, Microsoft on the Issues
Our commitments to advance safe, secure, and trustworthy AI
Brad Smith, Microsoft on the Issues
Expanding Access to Artificial Intelligence through the NAIRR
Voices for Innovation Blog
Voluntary Commitments by Microsoft to Advance Responsible AI Innovation
How do we best govern AI?
Brad Smith, Microsoft on the Issues
Governing AI: A Blueprint for the Future
Microsoft White Paper
Reflecting on our responsible AI program: Three critical elements for progress
Natasha Crampton, Microsoft on the Issues
Meeting the AI moment: Advancing the future through responsible AI
Brad Smith, Microsoft on the Issues
AI Risk Management Framework
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Responsible AI Principles and Approach
Microsoft AI
