Bill Gates says unchecked AI could ‘cause a billion deaths’ in call for regulation
Bill Gates has urged US lawmakers to implement strict regulations on artificial intelligence, warning that the technology could cause mass casualties if left unchecked. He dismissed the idea of a simple 'kill switch' as insufficient, calling for comprehensive monitoring and safeguards.
Why it matters
High-profile warnings from tech leaders regarding AI safety underscore the growing tension between rapid innovation and the need for government oversight.
Bill Gates in New York City on 8 May 2025. Bill Gates in New York City on 8 May 2025. Bill Gates Bill Gates says unchecked AI could ‘cause a billion deaths’ in call for regulation Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist speaks with NBC’s Kristen Welker in interview airing on Sunday
Prefer the Guardian on Google Bill Gates has called on the US’s federal legislators and law enforcers to regulate the development of artificial intelligence ( AI ), saying in an interview airing on Sunday that the technology left unchecked could cause “a billion deaths” and “no one thinks self-regulation is enough”.
“You need law enforcement and the politicians to get into the discussion about what safeguards and monitoring look like,” the Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist said to Kristen Welker, the NBC Meet the Press host. “And that has to be a required thing.”
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in