Microsoft’s

It’s a proposed set of guidelines intended to shape how AI systems are developed and used with a “humanist” focus. The draft aims to convert long-running principles into practical expectations—covering how companies think about people, impacts, and safeguards when building or deploying AI.

Microsoft says the consultation is open for six weeks. During that period, stakeholders can review the draft and submit feedback. The six-week window is meant to gather input before the code is finalized or refined, so timing matters if you want your comments reflected in later versions.

Public consultations typically allow anyone affected by or interested in AI governance to respond, including developers, researchers, civil society groups, and organizations. Even if you’re not a policy expert, you can still provide practical feedback on feasibility, clarity, and whether the guidance addresses real-world risks.

A code of conduct in a consultation stage is usually not automatically a law. Instead, it’s a framework meant to influence behavior and expectations. While it could affect how Microsoft and partners approach AI development, the degree of enforcement or legal status would depend on how it’s adopted and referenced later.

Even as a draft, such guidance can signal what Microsoft may prioritize in partnerships, reviews, and internal practices. Teams building AI might need to consider documentation, user impact, transparency, and risk mitigation earlier in the lifecycle—so compliance-like work could shift from “later” to “from the start.”

After the consultation window closes, Microsoft will likely review submissions, look for recurring themes, and update the draft accordingly. The goal is to refine the wording and requirements so the code is clearer and more workable. Updated versions may be published, or final guidance may be released after internal review.