Science & Tech · AI · 3 hrs ago
Bill Gates says safeguards are not keeping pace with AI risks
Bill Gates has warned that current efforts to keep artificial intelligence safe are not enough.
In an interview with CNN, he said cyberattacks are the AI threat most likely to become visible in the next year.
He also warned that people using AI without safeguards could cause serious harm.
The discussion included concerns that AI could make it easier to develop biological weapons.
Gates said the answer is a middle ground: safeguards like those used for planes, cars and medicines, rather than stopping AI altogether.
He said the technology’s risks are more serious than those of those regulated industries, but believes risks can be reduced.
Gates said he has heard from politicians and hopes to speak with President Trump about what should be done.
Bill Gates said current safeguards are not enough to manage the risks posed by artificial intelligence.
He warned that AI-enabled cyberattacks could be a major danger over the next year.
Gates said misuse by people acting without safeguards could lead to negative surprises.
He argued that AI needs regulation like planes, cars and medicines, while saying a middle ground has not yet been found.
Gates said the risk of AI getting out of control could have a major impact years from now.
- Who
- Bill Gates, Microsoft co-founder, discussed AI risks with CNN’s Jake Tapper.
- What
- Gates said safeguards are inadequate and warned of AI-related cyberattacks and misuse.
- When
- October 11, 2026. Gates said cyberattacks could be a major danger over the next year.
- Where
- In an interview with CNN.
- Why
- Gates said safeguards are needed to reduce the risks of AI and prevent misuse by bad actors.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Well, no, we're not doing enough. The front that we'll probably see most dramatically in the next year is cyber attacks,
Just as we regulate planes, cars, and medicines, we need safeguards that help us realize AI's incredible potential while reducing the risks,
They won’t eliminate every harm, but they can help prevent misuse by bad actors. We’re not where we need to be yet - and this deserves much more of our attention.
There are some grim possibilities if we don't maintain control, and I do think the industry is doing its job to raise the alarm bell.
Gates wrote on X that AI needs safeguards to realize its potential and reduce risks.
Gates discussed AI risks with CNN’s Jake Tapper.
- Main speaker
- Bill Gates
- Interview outlet
- CNN
- Interviewer
- Jake Tapper
- Risk highlighted
- AI-related cyberattacks over the next year
- Safeguard comparison
- Planes, cars and medicines
Sources
Related news
Anthropic AI submits false murder tip to Philadelphia police
Nadella calls for human-controlled emergency brake on advanced AI
Rising computer and phone costs may boost demand for repairs in Mexico
Tencent to shut down Yuanqi AI agent platform on November 9
ElevenLabs bets on Indian languages to grow its voice AI business
South Korea’s KES 2026 trade show to showcase AI and other technologies
Nadella urges companies to keep AI controls outside models
Anthropic bars repeated cruelty toward its AI models
OpenAI fires three safety researchers after dispute over sensitive information
São Paulo court orders Jusbrasil to remove AI guidance targeting Escavador
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 opens in San Francisco for three days
