Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is warning that artificial intelligence could eventually cause mass death if governments fail to impose safeguards, marking a notable shift for a longtime technology advocate who has frequently promoted innovation as a solution to major global problems.

In excerpts released Friday from an upcoming NBC “Meet the Press” interview, Gates said AI could become powerful enough to trigger events resulting in “a billion deaths.”

“Even though it’s pretty hard to get to 100%, there’s never been a weapon as powerful as the combination of people with ill intent using the latest AI tools,” Gates told host Kristen Welker.

Gates has increasingly sounded the alarm about AI in recent months. In an essay released in August, he called for AI development to slow down, saying it was the first time he had wished a new technology would advance more slowly.

His concerns include AI-assisted hacking, biological weapons, fraud, job losses and potential effects on children and human relationships. Gates said AI's ability to write software and facilitate cyberattacks has already exceeded his expectations, describing the developments as “mind-blowing.”

Gates is now calling for governments and political parties to put aside political differences and establish safeguards before the technology advances further.

The comments reflect a significant change in tone from Gates' longstanding advocacy of technological innovation. The billionaire has argued that innovation can solve major problems, but he now says AI's potential risks require government intervention before its capabilities become more difficult to control.