Safety Summit on Artificial Intelligence to Take Place in London

Rishi Sunak, the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, plans to host a summit in London this autumn to address the safety concerns surrounding artificial intelligence (AI). Sunak has expressed worry about the “existential risks” associated with the rapid advancement of this technology. The summit aims to bring together world leaders to discuss potential interventions to prevent AI from going rogue.

However, while the government acknowledges the need for safety precautions in AI, it has shown less enthusiasm for examining the significant impact of digital technologies on people’s work lives. A recent report by the culture, media, and sport select committee emphasizes the immense potential of the “fourth Industrial Revolution” in various sectors. Yet, it also highlights the risks faced by workers, such as job automation or excessive monitoring leading to a loss of autonomy.

One example of this is Amazon’s fulfillment centers, where the company claims that technology has made employees’ work more efficient. However, workers argue that the introduction of hi-tech monitoring has only intensified their jobs, as they are now expected to match the performance of machines. This phenomenon extends beyond warehouses, with generative AI already reshaping various professions by taking on complex tasks.

The potential impact of digital technologies on workers raises concerns about workplace surveillance. The select committee and trades unions agree that monitoring should only occur with the consent and consultation of those being monitored. The Royal Mail, for instance, reached an agreement with the CWU union to establish limits on the use of data collected by tracking devices for postal workers. However, outside of parliamentary attention, privacy legislation, such as GDPR, has been invoked by unions and campaigners to address employment disputes stemming from intrusive tech practices.

The committee suggests that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) should play a role in regulating surveillance technologies. However, this seems to be beyond the HSE’s traditional remit. Additionally, workplace surveillance is just one aspect of the broader transformation occurring in many industries, often without sufficient oversight or recourse.

While the fourth Industrial Revolution offers tremendous benefits to workers, employers, and the economy as a whole, there are also significant challenges that existing employment protections are ill-equipped to handle.