No government in the world is prepared for the changes artificial intelligence will bring to society, Microsoft co-founder and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates said in an interview with Reuters, warning about the risks arising from the development of this technology.
Të lidhura
None found
Gates, who until recently had a more optimistic approach to artificial intelligence, has changed his stance and warned about threats to jobs, the risk of attacks, and dependence on AI-based virtual companions.
“I don’t think any government is even close to the level of preparedness it should have on this issue,” Gates said.
However, he stressed that artificial intelligence has great potential to help people in poorer countries if the technology is properly managed and access to it is distributed equally.
The foundation bearing Gates’ name announced on Tuesday that it plans to spend at least $1 billion over the next two years to expand access to artificial intelligence.
Gates: Governments are far behind
Gates said he had discussed his concerns about AI with world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and his team. He also said he plans to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this year.
“Governments are far behind on this issue,” he said.
Despite his concerns, Gates and his foundation hope artificial intelligence will help narrow the gap between richer and poorer countries and people, rather than widen it.
The $1 billion plan, part of the foundation’s commitment to spend around $9 billion a year, will fund partners working in education, healthcare and agriculture.
The foundation also aims to help create the datasets on which AI is built, including ensuring that large language models work in all the languages spoken around the world.
“It’s difficult to overstate AI’s potential in healthcare.”
Gates particularly praised the potential of artificial intelligence in the healthcare sector.
“In healthcare, it’s difficult to overstate the potential,” he said, referring to the opportunities AI offers to support frontline healthcare workers, as well as to discover new medicines and vaccines.
But he warned that governments must cooperate to avoid the problems the technology could bring.
Gates compared the arrival of artificial intelligence to science-fiction movie scenarios in which an extraordinary threat forces rival countries to unite.
“There are all kinds of movies where some aliens arrive and, magically, the U.S., China and everyone else come together to solve the problem. AI is somewhat like this alien intelligence. It is here, and we need to do what these movies show,” Gates said.
Epstein scandal and reputation
In June, Gates testified before the U.S. Congress about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender who has died.
Gates, who has not been accused of any crime, has repeatedly said he regrets his association with Epstein, whom he had hoped would contribute to funding projects for global health.
According to Gates, instead, Epstein attempted to blackmail him over the billionaire’s extramarital relationships.
An external review of Gates’ foundation, conducted after his ties to Epstein were made public, found no evidence of payments to him or involvement in criminal activities.
Despite this, Gates said his ties to Epstein had not caused a significant reputational blow to him or the foundation.
“In terms of access to government leaders, or journalists’ willingness to interview me, I don’t see any decline,” he said.
Gates added that interest in the foundation’s expertise in combating child deaths and eradicating malaria had not decreased “even a bit.”/ Reuters
