Seeking Answers: The Impact of AI on Employment and Society - A Pre-Call Discussion with Congress
As we find ourselves in the midst of a technological revolution, the advent and integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into our daily lives and the broader economy are both exhilarating and, for many, deeply concerning. The pace at which technology, particularly AI, is advancing has undeniably catalyzed innovations and efficiencies. Yet, it has also precipitated a significant socio-economic challenge: the displacement of workers at an unprecedented scale. In the tech sector alone, since the beginning of 2024, an average of 780 workers lose their jobs daily. These are not just numbers; they represent families losing their incomes, access to healthcare, and sometimes even their homes.
In light of these challenges, I am preparing to have a critical conversation with a member of Congress. My goal is to gain clarity and insight into the actions and plans that both The White House and Congress have in store to mitigate these challenges. Here are the pressing questions I plan to ask, categorized by the intended recipient:
Questions for The White House
Timeline for Implementation: With the tech sector experiencing significant job losses since the beginning of 2024, what is the expedited timeline for the White House to implement the AI Bill of Rights and related protective measures for affected workers?
Immediate Relief Measures: As families are losing income, healthcare, and sometimes housing due to job losses, what immediate relief measures is the administration considering to provide support?
Reskilling Programs: When can we expect the launch of reskilling and upskilling programs promised under initiatives like EducateAI and the AI Talent Surge? How will these programs be tailored to quickly reintegrate displaced workers into the job market?
Collaboration with Tech Companies: Is there any discussion with tech companies to temporarily halt the firing of staff during this transition period? What incentives or measures are being considered to encourage this?
Subsidized Reskilling within Tech Companies: Can the administration implement subsidized reskilling programs within tech companies, funded by taxpayer money, to retain and retrain employees at risk of displacement?
Questions for Congress
Legislative Actions for Job Security: Given the daily loss of jobs in the tech sector, what immediate legislative actions is Congress considering to provide job security for these workers?
Timeline for Reskilling Legislation: With a high rejection rate of job applications exacerbated by Automated Tracking Systems (ATS), when can we expect Congress to pass legislation supporting reskilling and workforce development initiatives?
Engagement with Tech Sector on Employment Stability: How is Congress planning to engage with the tech sector to ensure employment stability during the AI integration phase? Are there talks about legislative measures to prevent mass layoffs?
Funding for Reskilling Programs: Is Congress considering allocating federal funds for reskilling programs directly within tech companies? How would such funding be structured to ensure effective use and access for the employees most in need?
Comprehensive Support for Displaced Workers: Beyond reskilling, what comprehensive support measures (e.g., healthcare benefits, financial aid, housing support) is Congress exploring to assist displaced workers and their families during this transitional period?
The answers to these questions are critical. They will not only inform the public about the government's stance and planned actions but also provide reassurance to countless Americans currently navigating this uncertain landscape. As I prepare for this conversation, I hope to emerge with clear insights into the timelines and specifics of what will be implemented and when—by either The White House or Congress—to address the ongoing and forthcoming challenges posed by AI and technology.
It's a pivotal moment for our society and economy, and the decisions made today will undoubtedly shape our collective future. Stay tuned for updates on this crucial conversation, as I aim to share the outcomes and insights gained in pursuit of a path forward that ensures technology serves the common good and leaves no one behind.
Expanding the Dialogue: Leveraging AI Insights for Legislative Clarity on AI's Societal Impact
Adding to my preparation for the call with a member of Congress, I've also drawn inspiration and additional questions from a recent interview, seen below, between Jon Stewart from The Daily Show and FTC Chair Lina Khan. This interview shed light on some critical issues surrounding AI's impact on society, which I believe are crucial to address.
It's fascinating to see how technology, like ChatGPT, can provide transcripts of YouTube videos, and how other AI tools, such as Eightify, can summarize extensive content — in this instance, a 21-minute interview — in mere seconds, offering deep insights instantly. This application of AI demonstrates its potential to streamline access to information, which is a testament to the capabilities of machine learning when it leverages data from previous interactions to enhance future responses.
AI Summary:
Enforcing antitrust and consumer protection laws is crucial to protect the American public from monopolistic behavior, price gouging, and other harmful practices in the marketplace.
The FTC aims to address industry consolidation and enforce antitrust laws despite challenges from powerful monopolies.
Challenges include taking legal action against companies with substantial resources and seeking stronger measures to deter illegal behavior.
The FTC lacks criminal authority and refers cases to the DOJ; antitrust lawsuits target companies like Amazon and Facebook for monopolistic practices.
Investigations into tech companies like Amazon for potential price fixing and undue influence highlight the harm of monopolies on consumers and suppliers.
Government policies and antitrust laws aim to ensure competitive markets, but recent decades have seen increased consolidation and less competition.
Concerns over big tech monopolies and their acquisition strategies, especially in AI, point to the need for updated antitrust laws.
Lina Khan emphasizes updating antitrust laws for the digital age and AI, ensuring technologies benefit the public while addressing regulatory challenges.
Key insights:
Lina Khan focuses on enforcing antitrust and consumer protection laws to shield Americans from unfair practices in the marketplace.
A lawsuit claims Amazon is monopolistic, maintaining its dominance through illegal practices.
Challenges in legal battles against companies like Amazon include facing their extensive legal resources.
Monopolistic practices in the pharmaceutical industry lead to drug shortages and high prices, making essential medications unaffordable.
Competitors using identical algorithms for pricing can lead to widespread price increases, negatively affecting consumers.
The economic concentration in a few firms highlights the risks of an economic autocracy, underscoring the importance of antitrust laws.
There's no exemption for AI under existing laws, indicating the need for strict compliance in the AI domain.
Khan underscores the importance of protecting consumers from potential harms and risks in the marketplace.
Given the remarkable capabilities demonstrated by AI technologies like ChatGPT and Eightify, additional questions for the White House and Congress naturally arise:
Questions for The White House
How is the administration planning to address the potential monopolistic control and consolidation of AI technologies by a few major companies?
What strategies are in place to prevent price fixing through algorithms, as this could lead to higher costs for consumers across various sectors?
In what ways can the White House ensure that the development and deployment of AI technologies promote consumer choice and competitive pricing?
Given the concerns over data privacy and surveillance exacerbated by AI, what measures are being considered to protect individual privacy rights?
How does the White House plan to support the FTC and other regulatory bodies in overcoming the challenges of enforcing antitrust laws against the backdrop of complex AI technologies?
What actions are being taken to mitigate the economic and social harms, such as job losses and wage suppression, resulting from monopolistic control over AI?
Questions for Congress
What legislative actions are being considered to address the rapid consolidation of AI technologies by major corporations and prevent monopolistic or oligopolistic control?
How does Congress plan to tackle the issue of algorithm-driven price fixing to protect consumers from inflated prices?
What steps are being taken to update antitrust laws and develop new policies that are capable of addressing the unique challenges posed by AI?
In terms of data privacy and the risk of surveillance, what legislative measures are being discussed to safeguard against invasive data collection practices by AI-driven technologies?
Considering the FTC's current enforcement challenges, how does Congress intend to empower regulatory agencies to ensure fair competition and consumer protection in the AI sector?
With the potential broad economic and social repercussions of monopolistic control over AI, what comprehensive support measures are Congress exploring to assist affected workers and industries?
In conclusion, as we stand on the brink of a transformative era shaped by artificial intelligence, the conversation with a member of Congress looms not just as a formative dialogue but as a crucial juncture in delineating the future trajectory of our society. The insights garnered from this exchange, illuminated by the pressing concerns highlighted in the interview with FTC Chair Lina Khan, underscore the imperative for robust, forward-thinking policies. These policies must not only safeguard against the socio-economic ramifications of AI and technological consolidation but also champion the principles of competition, innovation, and equitable progress. As we navigate this pivotal moment, the collective wisdom and concerted actions of both The White House and Congress will be instrumental in ensuring that the dawn of AI ushers in an era where technology harmonizes with the common good, fostering an inclusive future that leaves no one behind. Stay tuned for the outcomes of this critical conversation, as it will undoubtedly offer a guiding light into the path we, as a nation, will embark upon in the age of artificial intelligence.
Please find below a list of specific questions I intend to address during my upcoming conversation with a member of the U.S. Congress:
Subject: Seeking Answers | AI Regulations and Legislative measures
Email Content:
Hi U.S. Congress Representative,
I hope you’ve had a great start to the week so far.
In preparation for our call later today, I would like to provide some questions I'm interested in discussing. These inquiries are geared towards understanding both the legislative and executive branches' approaches to the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence (AI). For clarity, I've categorized the questions into those directed at Congress (your domain) and those we might explore in terms of the executive branch's current and planned actions.
Questions for Congress:
Legislative Actions and Job Security
Given the daily loss of jobs in the tech sector, what immediate legislative actions is Congress considering to provide job security for these workers?
Reskilling and Workforce Development
When can we expect Congress to pass legislation supporting reskilling and workforce development initiatives?
Engagement with the Tech Sector
How is Congress planning to engage with the tech sector to ensure employment stability during the AI integration phase?
Funding for Reskilling Programs
Is Congress considering allocating federal funds for reskilling programs directly within tech companies?
Comprehensive Support for Displaced Workers
Beyond reskilling, what comprehensive support measures is Congress exploring to assist displaced workers and their families during this transitional period?
AI Regulation and Competition
What steps are being taken to update antitrust laws and develop new policies capable of addressing the unique challenges posed by AI?
Data Privacy and Surveillance
In terms of data privacy, what legislative measures are being discussed to safeguard against invasive data collection practices by AI-driven technologies?
Questions for The White House (For Awareness and Discussion):
AI Bill of Rights and Protective Measures
What is the expedited timeline for the White House to implement the AI Bill of Rights and related protective measures for affected workers?
Immediate Relief Measures
What immediate relief measures is the administration considering to provide support for families impacted by job losses?
Reskilling Programs
When can we expect the launch of reskilling and upskilling programs under initiatives like EducateAI and the AI Talent Surge?
Collaboration with Tech Companies
Is there any discussion with tech companies to temporarily halt staff layoffs during this transition period?
Monopolistic Control and AI Technologies
How is the administration planning to address the potential monopolistic control and consolidation of AI technologies by a few major companies?
Protecting Consumer Choice and Competitive Pricing
In what ways can the White House ensure that the development and deployment of AI technologies promote consumer choice and competitive pricing?
These questions aim to foster a deeper understanding of how our legislative and executive branches are addressing the rapid advancements in AI and their societal impacts.
Looking forward to chatting and catching up!
Thank you,
Kevin Bihan-Poudec
Founder | Voice For Change Foundation
