Gates Seeks Talks With Xi on AI Risks

Bill Gates hopes to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping later this year to discuss international cooperation on managing the risks posed by artificial intelligence. The Microsoft co-founder told Reuters that his team is working to arrange a meeting, tentatively planned for November.

Gates believes China could be willing to restrict the release of potentially dangerous AI models if the US took similar action first. He has also proposed monitoring AI systems for their ability to design molecules and potentially enable biological attacks.

On Wednesday, Gates called for a new international body to oversee AI, suggesting it could draw on existing models such as nuclear inspections, international aviation rules and agreements to protect the ozone layer.

Gates has increasingly focused on the potential dangers of AI in recent months. He has warned that the technology could be used to carry out cyberattacks, displace workers and foster psychological dependence among users. He said preventing AI from widening inequality or harming vulnerable people should be a global priority.

(Reuters, Lud)