This Week in Startups · Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Bill Gates has published an essay, "The Turbulent AI Era is here," in which he predicts that AI could either be a great equalizer or a source of injustice. He warns that there is currently no plan in place to manage AI's risks, which he believes are outpacing its benefits, and that some jobs are likely to be permanently lost.
“He will quote, "either be the greatest equalizer ever invented or the worst source of injustice." And that, right now, quote, "there is no plan." Some jobs are probably going to get go permanently go away.”
“Gates warns AI risks are outpacing its benefits, threatening jobs across law, medicine, and software. He's calling for a new national institution of some type and AI usage taxes and making some jobs reserved jobs that can only be done by humans.”