Microsoft chairman and chief executive officer Satya Nadella announced on September 13, 2026, that the company will publish a Code of Conduct for its first-party MAI models the following day, opening it to public consultation. The announcement came in a post on X, where Nadella also expressed support for what he described as deliberate pacing on AI alignment.
Alignment as a Design Goal
In his post, Nadella framed alignment as a foundational design principle rather than an afterthought. He stated that any pursuit of superintelligence must be grounded in the core principle that if the AI we build is not helping humanity and under human control, it is not worth pursuing.
The announcement positions the Code of Conduct as a public-facing document intended to guide the development and deployment of Microsoft’s first-party MAI models. By inviting public consultation, Microsoft appears to be seeking external input before finalizing the rules that will govern these models.
Deliberate Pacing on AI Alignment
Nadella’s post welcomed deliberate pacing on AI alignment, suggesting that the company favors a measured approach to ensuring its AI systems remain aligned with human interests. The phrase deliberate pacing implies a preference for careful, considered progress over rapid deployment without adequate safeguards.
The consultation process will allow stakeholders to review and respond to the proposed Code of Conduct. The outcome of this public consultation may shape how Microsoft’s MAI models are developed and governed going forward.
