AI models could begin to act against human interests – Bill Gates warns

Bill Gates, Microsoft co-founder, has warned that the world is dangerously unprepared for the upheaval brought by artificial intelligence (AI).

In a nearly 6,000-word essay published on his blog on Wednesday, the tech tycoon said the world is failing to take adequate steps to manage the transition into the AI era, partly because the technology’s potential impact is being underestimated.

“Eventually, the power to use AI to harm people will not be limited to people or institutions,” Gates said.

“AI systems themselves already occasionally act in ways their designers didn’t intend. The technology is improving faster than anyone expected and in surprising ways, and as the models become more powerful, they could begin to act against our interests and we could lose control.”

THREE DANGERS AI COULD POSE

Gates, 70, said he saw three main risks arising from the fast deployment of AI, with many jobs disappearing “forever” as the first.

“Jobs in sales and customer support (online and over the phone), software engineering, and paralegal work may be among the first affected,” he said.

He noted that blue-collar jobs would also be affected and expressed concern about young people entering a workforce with fewer entry-level openings.

The second risk Gates identified was the harm AI could cause.

“Long before AI entered the mainstream, there was information online about how to create weapons like bombs, bioweapons, even computer viruses,” he said.

“AI will make it much easier to not only get this information but act on it. Even criminals with very limited skills will be able to target victims at every scale: individuals, companies, and governments.

“AI-enabled fraud, disinformation, deepfakes, and surveillance are the harms that many people will feel most keenly in their everyday lives. AI capabilities are starting to be used for cyberattacks.”

Gates added that even the smartest cybersecurity experts he knows are scared about the next few years, pointing to a deterioration of human relations and children’s development as the third risk.

The philanthropist warned that young people could be “affected for their entire lives” if adults fail to take measures to draw the line.

However, Gates said AI still has great prospects in improving the quality of life.

“Maximizing the benefits is just as important as minimizing the harms. If people see how AI makes their lives easier, it will help build the public trust that is necessary for managing the harder parts of the transition,” he said.

This is not the first time Gates has voiced concern over limited AI regulations.

In 2023, the Microsoft co-founder said the potential of AI was limitless but needed joint efforts from the government and private sector to minimise risks.

Geoffrey Hinton, a scientist regarded as the godfather of AI, had quit his job at Google over fears of growing dangers from innovations in the field.

Hinton described the situation as a nightmare and said he regretted his work.

Some Silicon Valley officials have, however, kicked against the “doomer” attitudes from tech leaders and blamed them for giving the AI revolution a bad reputation. (TheCable)