SEATTLE — Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has warned that artificial intelligence is "the most dangerous thing that humans have ever gone near," and he rejected the idea that the AI industry can be trusted to police itself. That idea has been endorsed by President Donald Trump.

Gates made the comments on "The Ezra Klein Show," a New York Times podcast, in an interview published Tuesday. He argued that governments must impose safeguards and monitoring on AI systems to prevent catastrophic misuse.

"Part of the reason I'm speaking so loudly — as loud as I can — is that you can't rely on the industry to self-regulate here," Gates said. "I mean, it's just insane."

'The most dangerous thing'

Klein asked whether existing laws, market incentives and the threat of lawsuits against companies that release unsafe products might be enough to manage AI's risks. Gates said he could hardly believe the question was being raised.

"Well, I almost can't believe you're asking that. This is the most dangerous thing that humans have ever gone near," Gates said.

He compared AI with other industries where society sets safety rules before harm occurs, and said relying on self-regulation would be like having no Food and Drug Administration to review medicines, no agency overseeing aviation safety and no seat belt requirements for cars.

He also dismissed the idea that lawsuits could deter harm. He suggested that approach........

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