Governments worldwide are way behind on AI - Bill Gates

Microsoft co-founder and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates has expressed deep concerns about the world's readiness for the societal changes artificial intelligence (AI) will bring, warning of risks to jobs, cyber attacks, and addiction to AI companions. He believes no government is nearly as prepared as it should be for this transition.

Despite his apprehensions, Gates is optimistic about AI's potential to benefit the world's poorest if managed equitably. His Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation plans to allocate at least $1 billion over the next two years to expand access to AI, focusing on education, healthcare, and agriculture. Gates has been discussing his concerns with world leaders, including President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

He aims to meet President Xi later this year. The foundation's $9 billion annual spending plan will prioritize partners working in these critical sectors. Gates believes AI could significantly improve healthcare, from supporting frontline workers to accelerating drug and vaccine development. However, he emphasizes the need for global cooperation to prevent potential problems, comparing AI's arrival to a cinematic disaster scenario.

In June, Gates testified before the US Congress about his past association with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender, but maintains that the fallout has been minimal for him or his foundation.