Legendary technology and corporate icon Bill Gates says that AI could bring major benefits. But he also warned it could also cause lasting job losses, widen inequality, and empower cybercriminals. Additionally, he thinks it may increase the risk of biological misuse unless governments act quickly.
Gates outlined some of the main job categories he thinks will be impacted first as AI assumes more cognitive functions:
– Customer Service
– Law
– Software development
– Manufacturing
– Data Analysis
– Medical Triage
Gates mentioned that AI could give hackers and other cybercriminals the ability to conduct attacks at a higher level than previously possible.
He cited examples including hospital cyberattacks, power grid failures, attacks on water supply systems, attacks on banks and financial institutions, and other critical infrastructure.
And while he believes AI can assist in developing drugs and vaccines, he insists it can also make it easier for malicious individuals to develop deadly pathogens via biological terrorism.
Gates is also concerned that while AI may create an environment of equality through the distribution of some wealth via income-based opportunities, he fears the owners of the AI-based systems/data/computing platforms used in the creation/implementation of those systems will be the primary beneficiaries. Hence, a select few may benefit more than the masses.
The Problem We Face Today: Gates indicates that despite having a clear understanding of how AI can create problems, the world has no adequate plan for dealing with the social/economic/national security implications that may result from it.
The former Microsoft CEO has a few ideas:
– Creating new, AI focused domestic/international institutions
– Implementing enhanced safety nets and retraining programs.
– Taxes on the use of AI/robots that displace workers.
– Mandatory oversight of high-risk AI systems.
– Creation of “reserved” human jobs (such as: education, providing sensitive care, etc.) related to specific types of interactions (e.g.: receiving bad news about your health).
The co-founder of Microsoft says his call to action isn’t about stopping AI. Instead, he urges we address issues around its rapid implementation before we start seeing some of the catastrophes he’s warned us about.
There are numerous reasons why Gates’ warnings should be heeded. In addition to having a broad range of experiences working in the fields of software/cybersecurity/global health/public policy, he understands well how rapidly technologies evolve from novelties to significant societal influences.
In 2015, it was Gates who correctly warned that a major infectious-disease outbreak was likely and that the world was underprepared. And COVID hit us five years later.
He is obviously not beyond question. But, ultimately, Gates’ warnings carry much more weight than typical speculative comments, and should encourage the government and private sector to prepare for the impacts of AI now rather than allowing them to escalate into a larger crisis.
