Bill Gates says governments around the world are “way behind” in preparing for the disruption artificial intelligence could bring.
Speaking to Reuters, Gates highlighted employment, malicious uses of AI and growing psychological dependence on AI companions among the areas requiring greater attention.
His warning does not amount to an argument against AI development.
The Gates Foundation is committing at least $1 billion over two years to expand beneficial uses of the technology in healthcare, education and agriculture.
Gates said governments need to prepare for both sides of the technology: its potential to improve productivity and services, and the disruption created as increasingly capable systems spread through economies and society.
He has discussed AI with the Trump administration and said he plans to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The combination captures the policy problem confronting governments.
AI is already useful enough to justify substantial investment.
It is also developing quickly enough that employment, security and social consequences can emerge before political institutions have decided how to respond.
Gates is investing $1 billion to accelerate what AI can do.
His warning is that governments are not moving quickly enough to deal with what comes with it.
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