Microsoft AI CEO: 12-18 Months Could Automate Majority of White-Collar Roles

Microsoft (MSFT-US) AI General Counsel Mustafa Suleyman warns in a Feb 15, 2026, FT interview that AI-driven automation could replace much of professional work within 12 to 18 months. He estimates most, if not all,白领 tasks—from lawyers to project managers—may be automated in this timeframe as AI approaches human-level performance in professional tasks. In software engineering, AI now handles the majority of coding, he said, with the shift becoming apparent within the past six months. The rapid AI advance has already reshaped work, creating “AI Fatigue” as productivity rises alongside workload. Economist Stuart Russell warned of an 80% unemployment scenario, and Dario Amodei of Anthropic said AI could eliminate half of入门-level白领 roles. Sen. Bernie Sanders called the prospect an “economic earthquake,” urging a moratorium on new AI data center construction to ensure broader benefits. Microsoft has expanded AI workplace tools like Copilot and invested in OpenAI and Anthropic, but the company has not yet commented on the interview.