Bill Gates said in an interview with Reuters that no government in the world is truly prepared for the impact Artificial Intelligence will have on society, while also warning of the risks that may emerge.
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The Microsoft co-founder, who until recently spoke optimistically about the potential of this technology, has now adopted a more cautious stance. He has raised concerns about its consequences for the labor market, potential attacks, and the dependence that could develop on digital AI “companions.”
“I don’t think any government is addressing this to the extent that it needs to,” Gates said.
According to him, government authorities have fallen far behind developments in this field and are not responding at the necessary level.
Nevertheless, Gates believes Artificial Intelligence could bring major benefits to people in poorer countries if the technology is implemented properly and access to it is equitable.
The Gates Foundation announced on Tuesday that it plans to invest at least $1 billion over the next two years to expand access to Artificial Intelligence.
This sum is part of a broader strategy by the foundation, which has said it will spend about $9 billion a year. The new funding will be provided to partners developing projects in education, healthcare, and agriculture.
Another objective is to build the datasets on which AI relies, including enabling large language models to operate in every language spoken by people.
Gates said he had shared his concerns about the technology with various world leaders, including US President Donald Trump and his team. He added that he plans to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping later this year.
Regarding the healthcare sector, he stressed that AI’s potential is extraordinarily significant, citing support for frontline healthcare workers as well as the discovery of new drugs and vaccines.
However, Gates emphasized that governments must work together to prevent serious problems. To describe the situation, he compared the emergence of Artificial Intelligence to scenarios depicted in disaster films.
“There are all sorts of movies where aliens arrive and, as if by magic, the US, China, and everyone else come together to solve the problem,” he said.
“AI is, in a way, like this alien intelligence. They are here, and we had better do what we see them do in those movies,” Gates added.
Despite his warnings, Gates and the foundation that bears his name believe the technology could help narrow the gap between wealthy and poorer countries rather than widen it.
In June, Gates testified before Congress about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
He has not been accused of any crime and has repeatedly said he regrets his association with Epstein. Gates has said he hoped the financier would help secure donations for global health causes.
According to Gates, rather than providing such support, Epstein attempted to blackmail him using information about his extramarital affairs.
The matter prompted the Gates Foundation to commission an independent audit. The investigation found no payments to Epstein and no involvement in criminal activities.
Gates has said that, despite these revelations, his relationship with Epstein has not significantly damaged either his reputation or that of the foundation.
“In terms of my access to government leaders or journalists’ willingness to interview me, I don’t see any decline,” he said. According to Gates, interest in the Gates Foundation’s expertise in reducing child deaths and eradicating malaria has not diminished “at all.”
