Bill Gates: AI without safeguards is 'completely irresponsible'

Bill Gates called it "completely irresponsible" for AI systems to lack safeguards, urging mandatory monitoring capabilities during an NBC News interview. Gates emphasized that the most immediate threat is malicious actors using AI for bioterrorism or mass financial fraud, calling this combination a powerful weapon. He supported regulation and third-party evaluations, citing Anthropic's partnership with Accenture. While Gates didn't oppose California Governor Gavin Newsom's proposed "kill switch" for AI, he said it wouldn't address the primary danger. He backed legislative involvement, noting oversight would add overhead but not dramatically slow industry progress.