Bill Gates Warns Governments Are Unprepared for AI Disruption

Bill Gates has warned that governments worldwide are not adequately prepared for the sweeping changes artificial intelligence could bring to society, including job disruption, security threats and growing dependence on AI companions.

The Microsoft co-founder told Reuters that his outlook on AI has become more cautious despite the technology’s enormous potential. Gates said governments are “way behind” in understanding and preparing for the challenges ahead.

He has discussed AI risks with global leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and members of his administration, and plans to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping later this year. Gates stressed that international cooperation will be essential as increasingly powerful AI systems reshape economies and societies.

At the same time, Gates believes artificial intelligence could significantly improve living standards in poorer countries if access is distributed fairly. The Gates Foundation announced plans to spend at least $1 billion over the next two years to expand AI use in healthcare, education and agriculture.

The investment forms part of the foundation’s previously announced goal of spending $9 billion annually. Funding will support partners developing AI tools and the data infrastructure needed to make large language models useful across different languages and communities.

Gates highlighted healthcare as one of AI’s most promising applications. The technology could assist frontline health workers while accelerating the discovery and development of medicines and vaccines.

However, he compared the emergence of advanced AI to an “alien intelligence,” arguing that countries such as the U.S. and China will need to cooperate to manage its potential dangers.

Gates also addressed scrutiny over his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He testified before Congress in June and has repeatedly expressed regret over the relationship. Gates has not been accused of criminal wrongdoing.

An external Gates Foundation review found no payments to Epstein or involvement in criminal activities. Gates said the controversy has not significantly damaged his access to government leaders or the foundation’s ability to pursue global health initiatives, including reducing child mortality and fighting malaria.