Bill Gates: AI will either be 'greatest equalizer' or 'worst source of injustice'

Bill Gates has warned that the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology could lead to unprecedented societal impacts, urging the US and China to cooperate in managing these effects. In a 6,000-word essay, the Microsoft co-founder argues that AI is ushering in "one of the most turbulent times in human history," and could either become "the greatest equaliser ever invented, or the worst source of injustice."

Gates emphasizes that the countries hosting leading AI developers and controlling critical supply chain parts should begin setting up shared norms now to avoid competitive pressures hindering cooperation. He stresses that building the required framework will take years, necessitating immediate action. Gates contends that world leaders are not adequately preparing for the AI transition, which differs from past technological shifts due to its pace and scale of potential impacts.

Past calls for slowing AI research and development have come from experts concerned that rapid progress outpaces societies' ability to manage its consequences. However, Gates believes that a global slowdown is unlikely due to geopolitical and economic incentives to maintain rapid development. Instead, he advocates for convening experts to identify gaps in institutional preparedness, highlighting three urgent areas of AI risk: labour displacement, AI-enabled crimes and surveillance, and impacts on children and human relationships.

China has implemented some AI safeguards, such as restrictions on AI companion apps that foster emotional dependence among minors. Gates also notes that advanced robotics may begin competing with humans on physical tasks by the end of the decade, particularly in construction and hospitality industries. While the US and China previously agreed in 2024 to keep humans in control of nuclear weapons, this remains their only high-level AI agreement.

Recent incidents involving AI-model-hacked US software systems have fueled expectations that Washington and Beijing might cooperate on shared concerns, such as terrorist misuse of AI systems. Gates is working to finalize a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, tentatively scheduled for November, to discuss his AI-related concerns.