Bill Gates has warned that advanced artificial intelligence could contribute to events causing up to one billion deaths if exploited by people with malicious intent. Speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press, he called for stronger government oversight and safeguards, particularly because AI could make it difficult to distinguish legitimate medical research from efforts to develop biological weapons.

Gates urged the United States to establish clear standards, monitor sophisticated AI models and record how they are used, while arguing that safety measures need not significantly slow development. His comments come amid wider debate in the US, with Donald Trump and Republican leaders opposing a moratorium to maintain an advantage over China, while Democrats and former President Barack Obama have pressed for greater regulation.