Bill Gates warns AI could cause a billion deaths

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has warned that artificial intelligence could cause catastrophic loss of life if powerful AI tools fall into the hands of people with malicious intent, and called for stronger government oversight.

In an interview with Kristen Welker on NBC’s Meet the Press, Gates said self-regulation by technology companies was not enough to ensure AI safety. He called for lawmakers and law enforcement agencies to be involved in setting safeguards and monitoring requirements.

Gates said AI was “certainly powerful enough” to drive events that could cause a billion deaths. He also said there had never been a weapon as powerful as the combination of people with malicious intent and the latest AI tools.

He said legislation should make safety measures and monitoring mandatory for AI development. While such requirements could increase costs and administrative pressure on technology companies, he did not expect them to dramatically slow the pace of AI development.

Gates has issued similar warnings about AI risks before. In an essay published in August, he discussed potential threats including widespread job losses, cyberattacks and the misuse of AI to develop dangerous biological agents.

His latest comments come amid growing debate over how governments and technology companies should regulate increasingly powerful AI systems.

Gates has also recently stressed the potential benefits of AI. The Gates Foundation announced plans this month to spend at least $1 billion over the next two years to expand access to AI and support applications in areas including health, education and agriculture.

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