Kevin Bihan-Poudec, a Franco-American tech worker in the AI Revolution, sent an S.O.S “Message in a Bottle” across the Atlantic to France's top TV news channels
In an era where the conversation about the advancements of artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications on the workforce is more crucial than ever, Kevin Bihan-Poudec, a French born citizen, who has lived in the United States for the past 15 years, is striving to be heard. Amidst a notable silence from American media, Kevin has taken his advocacy across the Atlantic, seeking the attention of France's top news outlets to shed light on the stories of displaced American workers during this rapid AI revolution.
Kevin Bihan-Poudec's efforts originate from a place of deep concern and personal experience. After experiencing job displacement himself within the tech sector, he has become a vocal advocate for those facing similar fates due to the unprecedented integration of AI technologies across various industries. His quest is not just to share his own story, but also to echo the narratives of countless individuals currently affected by massive job displacement across the country. Kevin argues that if government measures are not taken seriously and quickly, thousands more could be affected by the changing landscape of employment in the United States.
It's a story of resilience and proactive action. Kevin Bihan-Poudec, in his role as the founder of the "Voice for Change" Foundation, has been tirelessly working to unify the diverse voices of American workers into a single, resonant call to action that cuts through the noise of progress, aiming to amplify their collective message and spark meaningful dialogue and policy change.
French media, known for its global perspective and comprehensive coverage, has yet to respond to this cry for help. However, Kevin feels confident that the media will respond favorably to covering his story and will recognize the importance of the gravity of the situation The United States of America is about to put themselves into. The potential willingness of France's leading channels to engage with his cause would underscore the gravity of the situation and the need for a broader, more inclusive conversation about the future of work. Kevin recognizes that coverage by the French media could significantly elevate his efforts to promote ethical AI in the United States.
By ensuring that technology advances human rights and societal well-being, his advocacy could set a precedent for global emulation. This mirrors the initiatives already undertaken by Europe with its A.I. Act, and more recently, by countries like Singapore and India, which are taking more rapid initiatives than the United States to maintain its leading position on the world stage.
It is important to note that IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva predicts that AI will affect roughly 40% of jobs worldwide as she recently stated the following:
“Advanced economies face greater risks from AI — but also more opportunities to leverage its benefits — compared with emerging market and developing economies”
“Roughly half the exposed jobs may benefit from AI integration, enhancing productivity. For the other half, AI applications may execute key tasks currently performed by humans, which could lower labor demand, leading to lower wages and reduced hiring”
The above statements clearly warn us that AI technologies will reshape the labor market on a scale that we have never experienced before, at a much more rapid rate than the previous automobile industrialization revolution of the early 20th century or the dot-com bubble of the mid-1990s. Thus, it is imperative to be proactive and be prepared for this abrupt shift in the context of the AI Revolution era.
As we await the eventual coverage that French media could offer, one thing is clear: the story of the American worker in the age of AI will not go untold. Kevin’s determination ensures that the world will see and hear about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, making it an international narrative rather than a silent struggle.
Stay tuned for the unfolding of this story.
Translation of the email above:
Voice For Change Foundation
March 19, 2024 at 7:59 AM
Urgent: Global and French governmental action required for ethical AI supervision
To: [Various Government Officials and Europol]
Mr. President of Interpol, Madam Executive Director of Europol, Mr. President of the French Republic, Mr. Minister of the Interior and Overseas Territories, and Mr. Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs,
I would like to welcome our new interlocutors to this crucial conversation and reiterate my thanks to the members who continue to offer unwavering support to our common cause. Following our previous dialogue, I would like to once again emphasize my deep commitment to promoting ethical AI on a global scale. Your authority and involvement in this domain are essential, and I am convinced that together we can advance this important cause.
In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, the ethical implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) have never been more pressing. As we witness the integration of AI into various aspects of our lives, it is imperative to ensure that its development and deployment adhere to principles of fairness, transparency, and responsibility.
I have recently become aware of a highly concerning case involving the American company OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT. This concerns the censorship of a private conversation I recently had with AI on my account. This exchange shed light on projections regarding the evolution of employment in the technology sector for 2024 in the United States. This action reveals questionable methods aimed at manipulating public discourse as well as that of investors. Technology companies are attempting to convince the world that these technologies will assist human workers by making their jobs faster and more efficient. However, it is crucial not to misinterpret the true nature of these actions. My conversation was never erased on my side, but it mysteriously disappeared from the servers. Fortunately, I have screenshots from last week, which I am sharing to testify to this situation.
In light of these unethical censorship practices and the increasing power of certain individuals, such as Mr. Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, Tesla, and Neuralink, as well as Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, it is evident that these personalities have the potential to control public discourse. My analysis, linked below, highlights the negative consequences for humanity in the coming years.
Recognizing the immediate and long-term risks has become crucial. In the short term, these dynamics may threaten the security of workers and American citizens. In the long term, they could compromise the security of individuals worldwide, as well as the stability of the global economy and humanity itself. Aware of these issues, I took the initiative to contact Interpol through their online form to inform them of the situation. A screenshot of my message is included below:
INTERPOL Form
Unit: Organized Crime
Name: Kevin Bihan-Poudec
Company: Voice For Change Foundation Inc.
Subject: URGENT: Immediate action requested regarding unethical AI practices
Dear Interpol,
We are reaching out to draw your attention to an urgent question concerning the unethical practices of AI and the potential manipulation of public discourse by prominent technology companies. Our organization, Voice For Change, recently witnessed actions by OpenAI, including the censorship of private conversations revealing critical information concerning employment in the technology sector. These actions raise serious ethical questions and seem to indicate a deliberate attempt to influence public opinion.
The involvement of influential figures like Elon Musk and Sam Altman highlights the potential of these practices to pose immediate and long-term risks to global security, world stability, and human rights. Given the gravity of the situation, we initiated contact with Interpol through their online form to inform them of these practices.
We believe that a collaborative effort between Interpol and international organizations is crucial to address these issues and ensure the ethical deployment of AI technologies. Your attention and support in this area would be invaluable.
For more detailed information on these unethical AI practices and our communications with government bodies and media channels, please consult the following links:
Unethical AI Practices
Government Accountability Overview
We await your prompt response and are ready to provide any further information or additional support as necessary.
Sincerely,
Kevin Bihan-Poudec
I firmly believe the time has come to act decisively, and I remain committed as a dedicated advocate for ethical AI. With your esteemed influence and support, I am confident we can bring about significant change and shape a future where AI serves humanity responsibly and fairly.
If nothing can be done to stop or control the decision-makers behind artificial intelligence, I give you an overview of my vision and personal commitment to this cause, aiming to further raise awareness among decision-makers and the general public about the profound implications of these issues. I wish to shed light on the dangers represented by the centralization of power and lack of transparency in AI development, while promoting an ethical framework that respects human rights and dignity. Together, we can work toward a future where AI serves the entirety of humanity, rather than merely benefiting a technological elite. Your support and action are crucial to advancing this goal.
I have created a video presentation that summarizes my perspectives, experiences, and aspirations as an ethical AI advocate. I invite you to watch this video, available at the following link, here.
In this presentation, I deliver a compelling message recorded from my home, addressing an invisible audience, as I have not succeeded in attracting the attention of the media. Recorded by a webcam, this poignant recording summarizes my deep commitment to initiating a significant dialogue for the ethical integration of AI. It illustrates the efforts I have made to amplify a message that, so far, has been met with indifference. My approach emphasizes a critical message: when traditional platforms fail to relay our calls to action, we must find other ways to make our voices heard. This video is not just a call to action; it is a testament to my resilience in defending a cause that affects global stability and ethical progress.
I am genuinely passionate about promoting dialogue, collaboration, and action for ethical AI, and I am eager to engage with you and others sharing this vision. Your ideas, advice, and support would be invaluable as we embark on this transformative journey together.
Aware of the international gravity of this issue, I prefer to keep the censorship measures of OpenAI and my analysis on Elon Musk and Sam Altman confidential, avoiding media involvement. A behind-the-scenes negotiation would be more appropriate, away from public scrutiny. However, without a response within one to two weeks, and despite my reluctance and the severity of the situation and its impact on nearly 7.88 billion individuals, I will feel obligated to reveal this information via a public link on my website and alert the media. This would be my last resort to highlight the inaction of global decision-makers in addressing global security.
I express my gratitude in advance for the attention you will give to this email and for the response you will kindly provide concerning the measures being considered.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I am fully committed to this cause and eagerly await the opportunity to work with you for the good of our global community.
Sincerely,
Kevin Bihan-Poudec
Founder | Voice For Change Foundation
Advocate for ethical AI and workforce preservation
