Bill Gates Calls for Robot Tax and Human Reserved Jobs

Bill Gates called for a tax on AI tokens and robots and for some work to be reserved for humans in an essay published on Gates Notes. He said governments should prepare for job losses, security risks, and effects on children as AI systems become more capable.

Gates said a robot tax could address the difference between payroll taxes on workers and tax treatment for machines bought by companies. He wrote that revenue from such a tax could support retraining and a stronger safety net for workers affected by AI and robotics.

He also proposed a Human Reserved category for tasks that should remain with people. Gates cited caregiving and parts of health care as examples where human involvement may be required, even if machines can perform the task technically.

The essay also called for new domestic and international institutions to manage AI across areas such as employment, education, taxation, security, public health, energy, elections, and financial systems. Gates said he plans to raise these issues with lawmakers, global leaders, and AI companies.