Bill Gates Rejects ‘Pause’ On AI, Suggesting It’s Impractical

Topline

Former Microsoft CEO and billionaire Bill Gates said pausing the development of artificial intelligence, as suggested by more than 1,000 AI experts including Elon Musk last week, would not “solve the challenges” ahead, in an interview with Reuters.

Bill Gates speaks during the Global Fund’s Seventh Replenishment Conference.

AP/Evan Vucci

Key Facts

The Microsoft co-founder said he didn’t understand how a pause on AI, which Microsoft has invested heavily in, could work globally, adding that asking particular groups to pause development doesn’t solve the challenges in the field, Gates told Reuters.

Gates suggested instead that people focus on how to best use the developments in the field and “identify the tricky areas.”

Crucial Quote

Gates told Reuters he didn’t understand how a pause in development could be enforced, saying, “I don’t really understand who they’re saying could stop, and would every country in the world agree to stop, and why to stop.”

Key Background

Last week, in a letter signed by Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, Musk and hundreds of others, experts argued “more powerful” AI systems, like those which can hold human-like conversation, should be paused to assess the potential risks and benefits to society. The tech experts said developers needed to step back from the “out-of-control race” because the powerful systems creators are developing are ones no one can fully understand, predict or control. Last month in a blog post Gates called AI the “most important advance” in technology since the development of computers and smartphones. He suggested AI could be used to improve access to health and education worldwide and promised that using advancements in AI to help the poorest people in the world would be a priority of the Gates Foundation. He’s previously said Microsoft-backed OpenAI’s artificial intelligence program works better than others in the space and called the broad availability of ChatGPT “very impressive.”

Big Number

$10 billion. That’s how much Microsoft has invested in OpenAI.

Forbes Valuation

We estimate Gates to be worth $110 billion from his stake in Microsoft, making him the fifth richest person in the world.

What To Watch For

On Tuesday afternoon, President Joe Biden is expected to meet with AI experts to discuss the “risks and opportunities” of the field.