Bill Gates Warns AI Could Be Used as a Bioterrorism Tool

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has warned that artificial intelligence could be misused by “bad actors” as a bioterrorism weapon, raising fresh concerns about the risks posed by rapidly advancing AI technologies if left unchecked.

Speaking about the darker side of AI, Gates said that while the technology holds enormous promise for healthcare, education, and productivity, it could also lower the barriers for individuals or groups seeking to carry out biological attacks. Advanced AI systems, he cautioned, could potentially be used to help design pathogens, simulate biological processes, or accelerate research that would otherwise require years of specialised training.

Gates stressed that the danger does not lie in AI itself, but in how accessible and powerful the tools are becoming. Capabilities that once required well-funded laboratories and expert scientists could, in the future, be partially replicated with the help of AI-driven models, increasing the risk of misuse by non-state actors.

The billionaire philanthropist has long been vocal about global health threats, including pandemics and bioterrorism, and has repeatedly called for stronger international cooperation and preparedness. He argued that governments, technology companies, and research institutions must work together to ensure that safeguards, oversight, and ethical standards keep pace with AI development.

Gates also highlighted the need for clear regulations around high-risk AI applications, particularly in sensitive fields such as biology and chemistry. He said responsible AI development should include strict access controls, monitoring of misuse, and collaboration with public health and security agencies.

Despite the warning, Gates remains optimistic about AI’s overall impact, noting that the same technology could dramatically improve disease detection, vaccine development, and outbreak response. However, he emphasized that without proactive governance, the risks—especially in areas like bioterrorism—could grow alongside AI’s capabilities.

His remarks add to a growing chorus of voices calling for urgent global frameworks to manage AI risks, as the technology becomes more powerful and widely available.