Bill Gates Warns of ‘Scary’ AI Risks as Microsoft Pushes Rapid Adoption

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the Microsoft co-founder said AI had the potential to transform society, particularly healthcare, within the next decade. Gates said AI could support doctors throughout a patient’s life, easing pressure on overstretched health systems and reducing misdiagnosis in both rich and poor countries.

However, he cautioned that the same technology could pose serious risks if exploited by those with «bad intent», calling on governments to consider heavier taxation of tech giants that control AI systems.

«AI is the greatest solution mankind has ever created,» he said, «yet such an amazing change agent that in the wrong hands it creates lots of scary scenarios.»

The warning was echoed by Mustafa Suleyman, head of Microsoft’s AI division, who said public fear around the technology was justified. Suleyman argued that AI was already replacing jobs, particularly in call centres, and predicted further disruption in legal and accounting roles.

Suleyman also urged caution over the pursuit of «super-intelligent» AI systems, warning that machines capable of self-improvement and full autonomy could become uncontrollable. Despite his concerns, he said AI could still be a force for good if developed responsibly and in service of humanity.