Speaking at the Telluride Film Festival, Bill Gates warned governments that artificial intelligence is similar to “alien intelligence” landing on Earth, saying “It’s here, and we better do like it shows in those movies.” He emphasized that advanced AI models have evolved beyond algorithmic tools, can reason, process language and execute complex workflows without human intervention, learn patterns independently from massive datasets, and develop their own logic, such that engineers who programmed them can no longer explain how they reach specific conclusions. He noted no country has a viable plan to mitigate risks including job displacement, asymmetric cyber warfare, and bioterrorism, a stark transition from his previously optimistic views. In a long-form essay published earlier this week, Gates warned AI reduces the technical barrier for massive-scale cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure such as power grids and water systems, and can generate highly lethal pathogens. He said AI is likely to cause massive job displacement, most impacting entry-level white-collar jobs, and raised concerns over hyper-personalized AI companions eroding human relationships. Gates proposed a global token tax on massive AI corporations to fund social welfare schemes for displaced workers, and said the US and China should establish a binding regulatory framework.