Bill Gates says AI could be used as a bioterrorism weapon akin to the COVID pandemic

Bill Gates says AI could be used as a bioterrorism weapon akin to the COVID pandemic

Bill Gates says AI could be used as a bioterrorism weapon akin to the COVID pandemic

https://fortune.com/2026/01/09/bill-gates-ai-bad-actors-bioterrorism-threat/

Publish Date: 2026-01-09 09:45:00

Source Domain: fortune.com

  • Bill Gates, in his annual letter, argues that artificial intelligence (AI) is set to have the most profound impact on society compared to other human creations, including the wheel, the internet, the car, and electricity.
  • He emphasizes that while AI holds incredible potential, particularly in healthcare and education, it also poses significant risks, especially if misused by bad actors.
  • Gates highlights the double-edged nature of AI, noting its potential to transform healthcare but also the risk it poses in a bioterrorism context.
  • He stresses that more needs to be done to prepare for an AI-driven world, addressing the dual issues of AI misuse by bad actors and potential job market disruption.
  • The potential disruption in the job market due to AI efficiencies is uncertain, with some suggesting companies may use AI as an excuse for layoffs, while others predict significant shifts in workforce requirements.
  • Gates underscores the need for global governance and deliberate development, management, and deployment of AI to maximize benefits and mitigate risks.