WASHINGTON (Nazrana Times): Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has warned that artificial intelligence could enable catastrophic events if powerful AI tools are misused by people with malicious intentions.

Speaking to NBC's Meet the Press in an interview aired on September 27, Gates said AI could potentially contribute to events causing as many as one billion deaths.

He emphasized the need for government oversight, enforceable safeguards and cooperation between policymakers, law enforcement and technology companies.

Gates did not predict that such a catastrophe would occur. His remarks described a potential danger rather than an inevitable outcome. He also acknowledged AI's significant potential benefits for society.