Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has called for a regulatory middle ground on AI, warning that uncontrolled development risks cyberattacks and bioterrorism while emphasizing the need for safeguards similar to those for cars, planes, and medicines.
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates urged the need for a regulatory framework to govern artificial intelligence, warning that without safeguards the technology could enable cyberattacks, bioterrorism, and other harms. His remarks, made in multiple interviews, spark debate over balancing innovation with risk management in the AI sector.
Gates Pushes for AI Regulation
Gates argued in a CNN interview that AI poses grim possibilities
if left unchecked, comparing its risks to those of cars, planes, and medicines—sectors with established regulatory systems. There are some grim possibilities if we don’t maintain control,
he said, adding that the industry is doing its job by raising the alarm
but that governments must avoid extremes of either “no safeguards” or completely stop this.
In the essay, Gates specifically called for a national and international framework to manage the AI transition,
including a Human Reserved” set of jobs
such as caregiving. He also proposed a tax on AI tokens and robots
to fund retraining and a stronger safety net. These ideas were detailed in the Goalkeepers Report
released by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which made the case that AI could be a great equalizer or widen existing gaps between rich and poor.
Gates and Altman Clash on AI Regulation
Gates’ position overlaps with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s warnings, but the two differ on emphasis. Altman told the Council that a risk of catastrophe is not remotely acceptable
.
The tension reflects broader industry divisions. Gates blamed part of that on governments that swing between two extremes, noting that the world found a workable balance for planes, cars and drugs, and AI needs the same.
No, thanks!
Gates Warns of AI-Driven Cyberattacks
Gates warned that AI could enable a surge in cyberattacks within the next year, particularly if malicious actors exploit advanced models without safeguards. When you have bad people, no safeguards, and then the latest models, that’s where, over the next year, primarily in the cyber area, we are going to have a lot of negative surprises,
he told CNN’s Jake Tapper.
He warned that the real danger right now is not that AI’s getting out of control
but that bad people use AI where they can take out all the safeguards.
Gates Proposes AI Tax and Job Reservations
In a separate proposal, Gates suggested taxing AI usage and reserving certain jobs for humans to mitigate workforce disruption.
The plan includes taxing AI tokens and robots the way a human paycheck is taxed, and a “Human Reserved” set of jobs.
Gates Calls for Global AI Governance
Gates called for international cooperation to address AI risks, citing the Vatican’s engagement with the issue. I am very glad to see the Catholic Church, and other religious groups, so engaged in the AI debate; I believe their engagement is critical to ensuring that AI serves everyone in the most equitable way,
he said in an interview with Vatican News.
However, Gates noted that the more time that’s spent on this, the better, because we are not yet where we need to be.
As the AI sector evolves, Gates’ focus on governance highlights a broader push for accountability. His calls for judicious
regulation, combined with warnings about immediate threats, reveal a critical moment in shaping the technology’s impact on society.