Bill Gates says the world is not ready for AI disruption

Bill Gates published a long essay on August 26, 2026, pulling back from his earlier positive outlook on AI. He warned that the move into an AI-powered world will be "one of the most turbulent times in human history" and that "the world is not remotely ready." He urged leaders to act before job losses rise, proposing a small fee each time AI is used and setting aside certain jobs for humans.