Scoop: "OG" Bill Gates returns to wage war on AI risks
Bill Gates is gearing up to dramatically expand his AI safety push , personally leaning on business leaders and considering a major deployment of his resources, sources tell Axios. Why it matters : The formidable, sharp-elbowed Bill Gates who built Microsoft is back, and he's directing his competitive fire toward what he has come to see as one of the most important causes of his lifetime. "I can…
Business titan Bill Gates is reviving his fight against AI risks, leveraging his connections with corporate executives and considering a major investment of his resources, according to sources cited by Axios. His renewed commitment to this cause signals a significant shift, transforming the once-optimistic Microsoft founder into an urgent alarmist over the technology's potential threats.
Gates' shift in perspective is attributed to concerns about the rapid advancement of AI models, security incidents, and inadequate regulations. He has engaged with key players in the AI industry, including Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, to advocate for a more stringent regulatory framework. Despite past associations with controversial figures, such as Jeffrey Epstein, Gates acknowledges that his current warnings are driven by the gravity of the situation rather than personal gain.
Once a proponent of AI's potential benefits, Gates now warns that the current trajectory is volatile and that the world is ill-prepared for the potential economic and societal upheaval. In an essay, he called for the establishment of new regulatory institutions to coordinate AI policy, preserve human employment, and impose taxes on AI usage and robots. His stance has drawn parallels to the regulatory challenges faced during Microsoft's early years, but with a more fervent tone.
The AI race has reignited Gates' aggressive side, reminiscent of the ruthless businessman who built Microsoft from the ground up. His latest approach is a stark contrast to his earlier persona, characterized by a softer, more philanthropic image. As Gates takes on a more combative role in the AI safety crusade, his efforts may face resistance from the Trump administration, which has advocated for a lighter regulatory approach.
The outcome of this potential collision will determine whether AI safety becomes a defining issue of Gates' later career.
Written by urgent.news from Axios's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
