Bill Gates reverses on AI optimism, warns of turbulent transition

Bill Gates published a 6,000-word essay on gatesnotes.com on August 26, 2026, stepping back from his earlier optimism on AI. He warned the shift to an AI-driven economy will be "one of the most turbulent times in human history" and that "the world is not remotely ready." Gates urged political leaders to act before unemployment surges, proposing a per-use tax on AI systems and reserving certain jobs for humans.