Tech regulation is inevitable, so industry leaders should collaborate in its formation.

• According to Microsoft President Brad Smith, tech regulation will occur regardless of industry participation.
• He suggested that companies should seize the opportunity to engage in those discussions now, during his keynote address in Washington, D.C.
• One day after Apple CEO Tim Cook delivered a keynote address cautioning about the dangers of a proposed antitrust bill in Congress, the message arrived.

According to President Brad Smith, tech regulation is inevitable, so companies should engage in discussions about it.

Smith stated on "Tech Check" Wednesday that it doesn't matter if people like or dislike it, and it's important to address concerns, but the key is to work together to find solutions, as the success of the project depends on it.

Smith delivered a message following his keynote speech on the same topic at the International Association of Privacy Professionals conference in Washington, D.C., which was in contrast to CEO Tim Cook's earlier keynote warning about antitrust laws that could harm consumer privacy protections.

Smith has been instrumental in changing Microsoft's relationship with D.C. officials since the company's antitrust battle at the turn of the century. He has helped reshape Microsoft's image into that of a friendly giant, avoiding the recent backlash against the tech industry. However, Microsoft, being one of the world's most valuable companies that produces products relied upon by millions of consumers, including the U.S. government, could still face scrutiny.

In his keynote speech, Smith stated that his time as Microsoft's general counsel during the antitrust case taught him how to handle the various demands and expectations placed upon him.

Smith acknowledged that Microsoft and Apple share similarities in their views on privacy and cybersecurity, but differ in other aspects.

Apple has stated that the proposed competition rules may harm user privacy by allowing companies to bypass its centralized App Store, which ensures the safety and security of downloaded products.

Smith suggested in his CNBC interview that it may not be a black-and-white situation.

Smith stated that if standards can be established in a single app store for a million apps, then the same standards can be implemented across multiple app stores that must adhere to the same security and privacy objectives. This approach allows for the reconciliation of conflicting issues.

Even if the industry can persuade Congress to abandon certain regulations, "it's a big world," Smith concluded.

"All Europeans, British, Australians, Japanese, and Koreans are progressing, and the United States should also participate actively to benefit our country," Smith stated.