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
TL;DR
- Bill Gates urges US federal legislators and law enforcers to regulate artificial intelligence (AI).
- He warns that unchecked AI could cause "a billion deaths" and that self-regulation is not enough.
- Gates believes government intervention is necessary to establish safeguards and monitoring for AI development.
- He stated that regulation would add minor overhead for the AI industry without dramatically slowing progress.
- Concerns about AI in the wrong hands are echoed by other tech figures like Sam Altman and Elon Musk.
- Microsoft faces criticism for its role in AI development, with activists calling for the company to sever ties with the Israeli military.
- AI tools are reportedly being used in Gaza and Iran, and in the US for monitoring and deporting immigrants.
- Gates has recently focused on AI's potential dangers following an essay he published and in the wake of his association with Jeffrey Epstein.
- Gates stated he does not use AI for personal relationships.