Gates keeping AI safe

Written By Patricia Scheltus

Bill Gates was recently interviewed by the New York Times about the risks of AI agents. A high level summary of the interview:

·       Leaders are underestimating the imminent impact of AI in the workplace.

·       Society needs to regulate the use of AI - we cannot allow the industry to self-regulate.

·       We need new systems to manage the transition.

·       Some jobs need to be reserved for humans.

·       The use of AI tokens needs to be taxed.


He summarises his message in this way:

 “You have a chance to act now, before unemployment rises sharply, communities are hurting, and public trust has eroded. You can make sure that your government handles the problem holistically, rather than divvying it up into multiple bureaucratic fiefdoms. You can make sure AI benefits everyone. And you can work with other governments to meet this national and global challenge.”


In much the same way, business leaders need to get in front of AI adoption inside their organisation, by doing the following:

  • Figure out who’s using it.

  • Establish a system of AI governance now.

  • Ensures that the use of AI is aligned with your organisation’s strategy.

  • Develop appropriate monitoring and supervision.

  • Uplift the skills of your staff. 

  • Improve your operational resilience.


If you’re interested to get in front of this transition, visit our website: https://www.continuitymatters.com.au/ai-technology-risk

Link to Bill Gates essay: https://www.gatesnotes.com/work/make-ai-work-for-everyone/reader/a-turbulent-ai-era-and-critical-choices-to-make?WT.mc_id=20260826_ai-overture-2026-med-med

Link to his NYT interview: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/26/technology/bill-gates-ai-risks.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share

Patricia Scheltus
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