Bill Gates warns that AI could amplify cyberattacks in the next year and calls for stricter rules on the use of models

Bill Gates warns that the uncontrolled use of artificial intelligence could lead to an intensification of cyberattacks over the next year. The Microsoft co-founder believes the immediate danger is not that AI will “escape control,” but that malicious individuals will use existing models without safeguards.

In an interview with ABC News, Gates said cyberattacks are the area where the most dramatic short-term developments could occur. He called for stricter restrictions to prevent the use of AI in cyberattacks and bioterrorism, warning that removing safety mechanisms gives dangerous actors access to increasingly powerful technologies.

Gates rejected the idea that corporate self-regulation would be sufficient and supported the adoption of laws requiring developers to monitor and document how AI models are used.

His warnings add to a months-long campaign highlighting the risks of artificial intelligence, including mass unemployment and bioterrorism. In August, more than 100 AI developers warned that cyberattacks based on this technology would become more frequent and sophisticated. Anthropic had previously restricted access to a model capable of carrying out cyberattacks.