Microsoft President Brad Smith publishes a lengthy blog post addressing recent viral videos in which some graduation attendees boo or heckle commencement speakers who promote artificial intelligence. Writing on Microsoft’s official blog, Smith acknowledges that the backlash reflects concerns from students and presents it as a “wake-up call for the tech sector.” He argues for broader discussion about the impact of AI and the need for the technology sector to listen and engage with public worries.
Across the reports, Smith’s response is characterized as a recognition of the concerns rather than an immediate shift in Microsoft’s approach. The coverage notes that the essay does not announce specific new corporate policies, regulatory proposals, or changes to existing Microsoft practices. Instead, it emphasizes dialogue and calls for continued attention to how AI is developed, deployed, and governed.
The two outlets describe the post as more than 3,000 words and frame it as Smith’s direct reaction to the attention-grabbing commencement incidents.
