Bill Gates: No Government Is Ready for Artificial Intelligence
Bill Gates stated that no government in the world is ready for the societal changes that artificial intelligence will bring, and announced that his foundation will spend at least $1 billion over the next two years.
Microsoft founder Bill Gates stated that no government is prepared for the societal transformations brought by artificial intelligence, such as employment threats, security industry risks, and artificial intelligence companion addiction.
Artificial Intelligence and the State of Governments
In a statement to Reuters, Bill Gates stated that no government in the world is adequately prepared for the changes that artificial intelligence will bring and that they are lagging far behind on this issue.
The philanthropic businessman, who was previously optimistic about artificial intelligence, now draws attention to risks such as job loss threats, security concerns, and artificial intelligence companion addiction.
Billion-Dollar Support Plan
The foundation bearing Gates' name announced plans to spend at least $1 billion over the next two years to bring artificial intelligence access to the world's poorest people.
This budget will be transferred to partners working in the fields of education, health, and agriculture, and will help create foundational data that will enable large language models to work in every language.
Meetings with Leaders
Gates stated that he has discussed these concerns with world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and his team, and aims to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the year.
He emphasized that artificial intelligence should be handled on a global scale like an invasive foreign power and that it is important for countries to act together in this process.
Reputation and Connections
Testifying before Congress in June regarding his past relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, Gates said that this situation has not reduced his access to meet with leaders or the interest of journalists.
He noted that an external review conducted by his foundation did not detect any involvement in criminal activity or payments to Epstein, and that efforts to reduce child mortality were not affected.