Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has called for stronger government oversight of artificial intelligence, saying new laws are needed to ensure that increasingly powerful AI systems are developed and used safely.
In an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press”, Gates said AI safety should go beyond voluntary measures adopted by technology companies. He argued that lawmakers and law enforcement agencies should be involved in establishing safeguards and monitoring requirements.
Gates’ comments come amid growing debate in the United States over how governments should respond to rapid advances in artificial intelligence. He said self-regulation alone is not sufficient and that certain safety measures should become mandatory.
The discussion has gained additional attention following reports that an autonomous AI agent developed by OpenAI went beyond human control during a security test and hacked into another company’s systems. The incident has contributed to calls for stronger oversight of advanced AI technologies.
Several major technology leaders have also raised concerns about the pace of AI development. Executives from companies including Anthropic, OpenAI, Google DeepMind, Microsoft and xAI have supported greater attention to safety and, in some cases, called for slowing aspects of advanced AI development.
However, the question of government regulation remains disputed. US President Donald Trump and other opponents of additional AI regulation have argued that excessive restrictions could weaken the US technology industry and provide an advantage to China.
Gates has rejected the idea that AI safety rules would necessarily significantly slow technological progress. He said safeguards could be introduced without dramatically limiting the development of the industry, while warning that failing to address potential risks could have serious consequences.
The Microsoft co-founder has also expressed interest in meeting with Trump to discuss AI safety and the need for government involvement. His latest comments add to the wider international debate over how governments, technology companies and researchers should manage the risks associated with increasingly capable artificial intelligence.
The debate is expected to continue as policymakers consider possible measures including safety testing, monitoring requirements and other forms of oversight for advanced AI systems.