Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has described artificial intelligence as a "fantastic" technology that could save humanity from climate change and disease, but said it should be used for good.
Speaking at the Breakthrough Energy Summit in London this week, Gates said: “Defense has to be smarter than offense. Both sides will use AI to improve their game.”
He explained to Sky News: “AI is so important that we have to make sure that it is used mostly by people with good intentions. So, any time there is a new technology, it is mostly used by teachers, doctors and scientists to help them.” To be more effective."
"If someone is involved in something, like a cyber attack or political interference, AI could be used by them, so you have to make sure that the good guys stay ahead," added Gates, who founded Microsoft with the late Paul Allen in 1974.
He said artificial intelligence would be a force for good to provide better healthcare and combat climate change, and specifically mentioned nuclear fusion energy as a clean alternative to fossil fuels.
“AI helps us model things in science, like better understanding materials, catalysts, and how proteins are made,” Gates continued. “AI, in every field of work, will accelerate innovation, whether it’s in medicine or helping with tutoring and education.”
Gates is ranked seventh on Forbes' list of the world's richest people this year. He stepped down as CEO of Microsoft in 2000, but there are persistent suggestions that he controls the company's overall direction behind the scenes.
Microsoft is now embracing AI through its products, including AI-powered laptops and its Copilot chatbot.