Bill Gates Urges Government Regulation of AI, Citing Risk of Mass Casualties

Billionaire Bill Gates told NBC's "Meet the Press" that government regulation is necessary for artificial intelligence, warning the technology is powerful enough to "cause a billion deaths" if used maliciously. Gates said "no one thinks self-regulation is enough" and argued legislation is "absolutely" needed, with law enforcement and politicians involved in setting safeguards. His comments follow dire warnings from AI workers about potential human extinction and come ahead of a planned White House meeting between President Trump and AI executives. Congressional leaders have shown little urgency on AI regulation, with Republican leaders downplaying doomsday fears as a "hoax." Senate Majority Leader John Thune has suggested passing AI legislation this year would be challenging, though he indicated a bill requiring risk assessments and transparency for critical AI systems may be reintroduced.