Bill Gates urges US and China to establish shared AI governance norms immediately

Bill Gates has called for immediate cooperation between the United States and China to establish shared norms governing artificial intelligence, warning that competitive pressures will make future collaboration increasingly difficult.

The Microsoft co-founder published a 6,000-word essay on Wednesday arguing that AI technology requires significant limits, or the harm to humans will outweigh any potential good. He described the current moment as "one of the most turbulent times in human history," cautioning that AI could become either "the greatest equaliser ever invented, or the worst source of injustice".

Urging action before competitive pressures mount

Gates specifically urged countries that host leading AI developers and control critical parts of the supply chain to begin meetings now, before competitive dynamics erode the possibility of cooperation. "Building the framework I'm talking about will take years, which is why we need to start now," he wrote.

The billionaire philanthropist argued that world leaders are failing to adequately prepare for the transition to the AI era. He distinguished this technological shift from previous ones, citing the unprecedented pace of AI progress and the scale of its potential impacts. "This time really is different," he wrote.

The essay comes as tensions between Washington and Beijing have extended into the technology sector, with both nations competing for dominance in artificial intelligence development. Gates's call for dialogue reflects growing concern among technology leaders that the absence of international coordination could amplify AI's risks to society.

Source: South China Morning Post