Information Technology

Uncontrolled AI Could Kill One Billion People, Bill Gates Warns

THT Report • September 28, 2026

Artificial intelligence could cause a major disaster if it is developed without proper regulation, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has warned. He said AI could even cause the deaths of one billion people if it were used for harmful purposes.

Gates made the remarks in an interview on NBC’s ‘Meet the Press’ on Sunday (September 27). He urged US lawmakers and law enforcement agencies to take a more active role in regulating AI.

He said the government must monitor the development and use of AI. Lawmakers, regulators and law enforcement agencies should work together to decide what safety measures are needed, and those measures should be made mandatory.

Gates acknowledged that government regulation could increase costs for technology companies. However, he said it would not significantly slow the development of AI.

He also warned that the most advanced AI systems could become powerful enough to cause a massive loss of life if misused.