Bill Gates calls for mandatory AI safeguards

Bill Gates is calling for governments to require safeguards and monitoring for artificial intelligence, arguing that companies cannot rely on voluntary self-regulation to manage the technology’s risks. In a prerecorded interview for Meet the Press, he said lawmakers and law enforcement should help shape those requirements, which he said would add some burden to the industry without dramatically slowing its work. Gates also warned that AI could contribute to events causing a billion deaths, particularly if powerful tools are used by people with harmful intentions. The statement was a warning about possible consequences, not a report of an actual incident. He said the combination of malicious intent and advanced AI could create a danger unlike previous weapons. Asked whether legislation should be passed in Washington, Gates answered yes, saying safeguards and monitoring should be mandatory. The interview was conducted Wednesday and scheduled to air in full Sunday. The excerpts available ahead of the broadcast do not specify a detailed regulatory design, enforcement structure or particular monitoring duties.