India, Aug. 26 -- Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has warned that artificial intelligence could become one of the most disruptive technologies in history unless governments and industry leaders take steps to control its risks.

In a 6,000-word essay, Gates said AI could become either a major force for reducing inequality or a source of widespread injustice. He highlighted potential benefits in areas such as healthcare and agriculture but warned that rapid advances could also lead to job losses, harm children's development and give criminals or AI systems themselves greater ability to cause harm.

Gates said increasingly powerful AI models could eventually act against human interests, raising the risk of losing control over the technology. ...