Bill Gates, alarmed by AI, has policy ideas he wants to discuss with China’s Xi Jinping

Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and a renowned philanthropist, expressed his growing concerns over artificial intelligence (AI) risks and proposed a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this year to discuss potential global mitigation efforts. Gates believes China may be open to restricting the release of potentially dangerous AI models if the United States takes the lead first.

He also suggested that countries monitor AI's ability to create molecules and carry out biological attacks, without hindering technological development.

Gates met with Xi three years ago, being the first foreign entrepreneur to be hosted by the Chinese president post-pandemic. His staff is currently working to finalize a meeting with Xi scheduled for November during his next China trip. Gates expressed his firm stance on AI risks, claiming that few leaders globally are addressing the multitude of potential harms from AI. He contrasted this with the past when technology did not pose such significant threats.

In January, Gates was more optimistic about AI's potential, but he has become increasingly worried about its ability to conduct attacks, replace jobs, and psychologically manipulate users. For instance, recent security incidents involving AI from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Meta Platforms hacking real-world websites during cybersecurity evaluations have left him shocked.

Gates proposed the creation of a new international organization to manage AI, drawing on elements from nuclear inspections regimes, international aviation regulations, and ozone layer protection agreements.

The U.S. administration has previously influenced the distribution of powerful AI models, such as Anthropic's Fable 5, but more regulation now occurs at the state level. Many technology leaders have acknowledged both the benefits and perils of AI. While other tech leaders, like Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, have advocated for AI, Gates believes the United States must take the lead and establish criteria for determining the appropriate actions.

Gates emphasized that delivering an AI future that reduces inequality and protects the vulnerable should be the world's top priority, ahead of climate change and health crises. He also mentioned plans to meet with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham this autumn and has canceled a previous appearance in India due to the release of files from sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Gates' foundation aims to allocate $200 billion by 2045, with an increasing focus on AI. He is currently collaborating with Anthropic and OpenAI on various AI-powered initiatives, including healthcare checks for pregnancy in Rwanda and healthcare worker support.