Bill Gates Warns Of 20 Years Of Turmoil From Artificial Intelligence
Microsoft co-founder says AI could change jobs and society, even if everything goes as well as possible.
Bill Gates warned that artificial intelligence (AI) could cause major changes in the economy and society over the next 20 years. It could change many jobs and affect daily life, even if people manage the technology well.
In an interview published on Thursday on the Decoder podcast, the Microsoft co-founder said that the move to an economy powered by AI would create winners and losers. It could change the kinds of jobs people do and raise questions about what roles people would have in society.
"My big concern is this 20-year transition period, where they'll have winners and losers and a lot of disruption," said Gates, 70. He added that society would need to deal with these changes before it might reach a time when goods and services are widely available.
He said 20 years was an estimate, not a firm prediction. The change could take less or more time, depending on how quickly the technology improves and whether people decide to slow its development.
Gates said that future advances in AI and robots shaped like humans could allow machines to do much of the physical work people do today. This could include building homes, growing food and even performing surgery.
These advances could make goods and services easier to get. However, he suggested that societies might choose to keep some activities for people, including caring for children, preparing food, making art and playing sports.
The billionaire philanthropist also pointed to the possible benefits of AI in healthcare and farming. But he warned that governments and society are not ready for how quickly the technology is developing.
He called for stronger government rules and technical protections against cyberattacks and biological threats. He argued that AI companies should not be left alone to manage these risks.
Gates also warned that even if things go as well as possible, the development of AI could lead to one of the most turbulent periods in human history.
"I hate being the bearer of concerning news on this, but it's even worse not to tell people that this is coming. We have choices as humans to make about how we shape it," he said.
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