Satya Nadella on Microsoft's agent bet and AI’s trust problem

The rise of AI agents marks a fundamental shift in digital interaction, moving beyond simple chat interfaces toward autonomous "autopilots" capable of managing complex, long-running enterprise workflows. Microsoft is positioning its Copilot ecosystem to serve as this new control plane, integrating infrastructure, models, and applications to drive measurable GDP growth. This strategy emphasizes model heterogeneity, allowing customers to leverage diverse AI capabilities while maintaining strict governance, auditability, and human oversight. As the industry matures, the focus is shifting from mere token consumption to creating tangible business outcomes and sustainable value. Addressing the "reverse information paradox" and ensuring AI remains under human control are critical challenges, requiring a balanced approach to safety, liability, and regulatory frameworks that avoid stifling innovation while protecting against deceptive agent behavior.