Bill Gates issues urgent AI warning: ‘World is dangerously unprepared'

Bill Gates, the Microsoft co-founder, has issued a stark warning that artificial intelligence (AI) has posed a “grave threat” to jobs, human life, and social connections, accusing the tech industry is knowingly downplaying the risks.

In his essay of around 6,000 words that appeared on Wednesday, Bill Gates says that the world is unprepared for the disruption that will occur with AI and that it is one of the most turbulent times in the history of mankind. He advocates for governmental intervention through AI taxes and job reservations for humans only.

Gates said: “I’ve never seen a problem that innovation can’t solve. I’m surprised to feel this way,” referring to his newfound desire for AI to advance more slowly.

There were three key risks cited by Gates: loss of jobs in law, medicine, customer services, and manufacturing; enabling capabilities of nefarious people, such as cyber attacks against hospitals and electric grid systems; and damage to children's development due to addicting AI chatbots that hinder social skills development.

He wrote: “AI will either be the greatest equaliser ever invented, or the worst source of injustice.”

Gates blamed Silicon Valley for ignoring warnings "because 'the next trillion dollars' is on the line." Tech leaders are expressing their concerns behind closed doors but will not say anything publicly, according to him.

The 70-year-old acknowledged his financial links to the tech industry because the profits from investments are directed towards his charity foundation. He admitted that his reputation might be affected by the connection he had with the notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Despite his concerns, Gates said he still believes AI can do enormous good, but it will if the world acts not to curb its dangers.

“Can we have a small amount of the bad with the large amounts of the good? That’s the name of the game,” he asked.