Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has warned that artificial intelligence could drive events causing one billion deaths.

Why Bill Gates' billion-deaths AI warning matters as OpenAI, Anthropic and other technology leaders call for tighter controls on advanced AI. Bill Gates' warning that AI could help cause events killing a billion people comes as Sam Altman, Dario Amodei and other AI leaders call for slower development and outside safety checks.

Bill Gates has urged Washington to set rules for how powerful AI systems are built and monitored. His warning adds to a wider debate over whether rising AI risks need tougher government oversight.