In fresh years, the improvement of artificial intelligence (AI) has accelerated at an unpredictable rate, and its consequences begin to appear on the labour market. The displacement of workers by algorithms becomes a real threat to millions of people worldwide. According to the head of the company Anthropic, Dario Amodei, by 2030 half of office workers could lose their jobs and global unemployment could scope 10–20 percent.
Mass layoffs have already begun.
Amodei warns that sectors specified as technology, finance, law or consulting are the most susceptible to automation. "The replacement of people with machines has already begun, and in the United States this phenomenon is gaining momentum," says CEO Anthropic. Businesses are starting to see the tremendous possible of AI as tools to reduce operating costs and increase efficiency. Microsoft fired 6000 people, Walmart – 1500, and CrowdStrike liquidated 500 positions, justifying the impact of artificial intelligence.
However, this wave may yet come. As Amodei emphasizes, corporations gradually discover that many tasks that people have done so far can be automated – from paper analysis, through explanation of medical symptoms, to code writing. "AI ceases to be a tool, becomes an employee," the expert says.
Lack of awareness among politicians
Despite serious forecasts, the public debate on this subject remains limited. The liable approach of decision-makers is peculiarly lacking. “This sounds crazy, and people just don’t believe it,” says Amodei, quoting the skepticism of politicians. In his opinion, the authorities do not realize the scale of the forthcoming socio-economic changes.
For example, Donald Trump promotes the improvement of AI, but does not address its impact on employment. Steve Bannon, erstwhile US President's advisor, believes that the problem of occupation disappearance will be 1 of the main themes of the 2028 presidential campaign. Bannon adds that the lower-level basic positions will be almost completely eliminated, which could have disastrous consequences for young people starting a career.
Risk of worsening social inequalities
In addition to the failure of jobs, Amodei warns against another threat – the concentration of wealth in the hands of AI-related companies. In the model it describes, the economy can grow by up to 10% per year, and technological advancement brings fresh medical opportunities and innovative solutions. At the same time, however, 20% of people may be unemployed and generations may lose access to the means of existence.
"This will make crucial social and economical inequalities", Amodei observes. He adds that while this process cannot be stopped, it is possible to mitigate its effects. It proposes, among others, the introduction of a taxation on the usage of artificial intelligence, whose income could be redistributed in society.
Is Poland prepared?
Although the article Axios focuses mainly on the United States, the situation in Europe and Poland is besides worrying. deficiency of AI regulation and limited public awareness indicate the request for fast action at both national and EU level.
There are no precedents for the case-law of the general courts or global courts regarding the direct impact of AI on the labour market, which suggests that the legal systems have not yet caught up with the dynamics of technology development. Meanwhile, time works against those who neglect to adapt.
Summary
Artificial intelligence is not only a technological revolution, but besides a socio-economic challenge. Mass releases, deepening inequalities, concentration of capital and deficiency of consequence from politicians – these are the main trends worth following. Without appropriate support and regulatory mechanisms, the labour marketplace can experience waves destabilising not only the economy but besides the full social system.
Read more:
Artificial intelligence changes the labour marketplace – unemployment could increase to 20%.
