Billionaire and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has warned that artificial intelligence is powerful enough to drive events that could cause a billion deaths.
He made the comments in an interview with NBC News’ “Meet the Press” on Friday while discussing concerns over the potential risks of rapidly advancing AI and calls for stronger safeguards around the technology.
Gates said the combination of increasingly capable AI tools and people with malicious intent could create a threat unlike anything previously seen.
Gates was asked whether he believed AI was powerful enough to end all of humanity.
The billionaire did not say AI would necessarily cause human extinction, but warned that the technology could enable catastrophic consequences.
Gates said self-regulation by AI companies would not be enough and backed legislation to establish safeguards around the technology.
Gates said law enforcement agencies and politicians should be involved in determining what safeguards and monitoring mechanisms should be put in place for AI.
He acknowledged that regulation would add some requirements for AI companies but said it would not significantly slow the industry’s development.
Gates’ comments come amid growing warnings from technology executives and policymakers about the risks associated with the rapid development of artificial intelligence.
The push for stronger oversight has also extended to global institutions.
In July, the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned about the risks posed by rapidly advancing AI and called for international cooperation to ensure the technology is developed and used safely.
