Sep 26, Kathmandu - Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has warned that artificial intelligence could pose a major threat if it falls into the hands of people with malicious intent, saying its misuse could potentially lead to the deaths of a billion people.

In an interview with NBC News’ Meet the Press, Gates said malicious actors could combine today’s AI tools in ways more powerful than any weapons developed so far. He stressed that the danger is not limited to future technology: existing AI systems could already cause serious harm if misused.

Gates said AI companies cannot regulate themselves alone. Governments, law-enforcement agencies and politicians must also help oversee the technology, he argued. Asked whether the United States should pass laws to regulate AI, he replied, “Absolutely.” He added that government rules could impose additional responsibilities on the industry without significantly slowing development.

His comments come amid growing debate over how to balance AI’s rapid progress with safety. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei recently called for slowing the development of AI models and delaying the release of new technologies until stronger safety standards are in place. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and xAI owner Elon Musk have also voiced concerns about risks including loss of human control, cybersecurity threats, and potential threats to humanity.

In an article published in August, Gates also warned that AI could be misused for cyberattacks, fraud and spreading misinformation, as well as causing serious damage in critical sectors. He has not called for AI development to stop, but says governments and technology companies should work together to reduce risks while preserving the technology’s benefits.