Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has warned that the unsafe use of artificial intelligence (AI) could lead to a rise in cyberattacks in the coming year, as the risk of malicious actors misusing the technology grows.

In an interview with the US broadcaster ABC News, Gates stated that AI-driven cyberattacks would rank among the most significant threats in the near future.

According to him, the primary concern is not AI spiraling out of control on its own, but rather individuals capable of bypassing safety measures using the technology for malicious purposes.

Gates emphasized the need for further restrictions and effective safeguards to prevent bad actors from exploiting AI for cyberattacks and bioterrorism.

He warned that if advanced AI models—lacking safety controls—fall into the wrong hands, the consequences could be severe, particularly regarding cybersecurity.

The Microsoft co-founder had previously warned in August that the world is ill-prepared to handle the major transformations brought about by AI, especially its impact on employment.

Gates also disagreed with US President Donald Trump’s stance that AI companies could effectively manage these risks on their own through self-regulation and oversight. They stated that the oversight of one of the most dangerous technologies developed by humans cannot be left solely to the companies involved, as current measures to keep society safe are inadequate.