Bill Gates warns AI could cause billions of deaths, urges regulation

Bill Gates told NBC News that artificial intelligence could potentially cause events leading to a billion deaths, calling federal legislation to regulate the technology "absolutely necessary" and stating that industry self-regulation is insufficient. Gates made the remarks Wednesday in Washington, following recent calls from AI lab CEOs to slow development. He emphasized that law enforcement and policymakers must participate in shaping mandatory safeguards, though he noted regulation would only add a small cost to the industry. The debate comes as House Speaker Mike Johnson has resisted convening Congress on AI legislation, while some governors have launched state-level regulatory efforts. Microsoft president Brad Smith criticized AI companies for prioritizing competitive speed over safety.