Bill Gates signs up for Twitter

Bill Gates has signed up for a Twitter account and has made his first tweets.

Gates currently has over 70,000 followers, although that number has risen from 8,000 this morning.

So far he is following just 40 people, including Microsoft, UNICEF, CERN and Barack Obama.

“Thanks to you and all the other people who have welcomed me,” he wrote today.

“I've got a lot to learn about Twitter but look forward to sharing more.”

Gates has also rejoined Facebook, a social media site he left last year after complaining that it took up too much time.

So far he has posted up links to Microsoft products and pictures of visits to India and Africa for his foundation.