Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates, has warned that the transition into the artificial intelligence era could become one of the most turbulent periods in human history.
This is as he noted that governments are not doing enough to prepare for widespread job losses and other disruptions that could accompany the technology.
Gates gave the warning in a more than 6,000-word essay titled “The turbulent AI era is here. The choices we make now are critical,” published on his Gates Notes website on Wednesday.
He said AI could either become a major force for reducing inequality or deepen the divide between the rich and poor, depending on how governments, businesses and societies respond to its rapid development.
“In terms of equity, AI will either be the greatest equalizer ever invented, or the worst source of injustice.
“The challenge is monumental. Even under the best circumstances, the transition to this new AI era will be one of the most turbulent times in human history,” he wrote.
Gates said the world was already falling behind in preparing for the changes ahead, arguing that leaders, experts and communities had yet to adequately confront the scale of the disruption.
