Bill Gates warns AI may spur social, economic unrest for 20 years
He said robots and AI could eventually take over many physical jobs, prompting governments to tighten oversight.
Bill Gates warned that artificial intelligence could trigger social and economic unrest for about 20 years, even if the technology is managed well. In an interview on the Decoder podcast released Thursday, the Microsoft founder said the shift to an AI-based economy will create both winners and losers while reshaping employment. Gates said AI and humanoid robotics could eventually take over many physical jobs, from building houses and producing food to performing surgery. He said AI could also help health care and agriculture, but argued that governments and society are not yet prepared for the pace of technological change. He therefore called for tighter oversight and technical safeguards to reduce the risk of cyberattacks and biological threats.