Bill Gates warns unregulated AI could kill one billion people

Bill Gates warned that uncontrolled artificial intelligence could, in extreme scenarios, cause events resulting in one billion deaths, urging stronger regulation and public oversight. The Microsoft co-founder rejected industry self-regulation as insufficient, calling for security forces and politicians to shape safety measures. He said advanced AI in criminal hands could create unprecedented weapons, though supervision would only add a small cost to the sector. Gates' comments follow industry leaders like Sam Altman and Elon Musk urging slower AI development. The debate intensifies amid US-China competition, with President Trump and Xi Jinping recently establishing an emergency communication channel on AI-related crises.