White House Takes New Steps to Study AI Risks and Determine Impact on Workers

Joe, a truck driver for over 20 years, was excited to hit the road with his new self-driving truck. He could finally rest his tired legs and enjoy the view. However, he soon realized that he was losing his job to a machine. Joe's story is not unique.

Over the last few years, the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought some significant benefits to society, but it has also raised concerns about job displacement and other risks. To address these concerns, the White House has launched a new initiative to study the effects of AI on the workforce and develop strategies to mitigate any negative consequences.

The initiative will involve experts from government, academia, and industry, who will collaborate on research, data analysis, and policy development. The goal is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the risks and opportunities presented by AI and to design policies and programs that will help workers adapt to the changing job market.

The stakes are high. According to a report by the McKinsey Global Institute, up to 375 million workers worldwide could be displaced by automation by 2030. In the United States alone, up to 73 million jobs are at risk of automation, with low-skill workers being particularly vulnerable.

• Some quantifiable examples of the impact of AI on the workforce include:
• Amazon's deployment of over 200,000 robots in its warehouses, reducing the need for human workers.
• McDonald's implementation of self-service kiosks in thousands of its restaurants, reducing the need for cashiers.
• Law firms using AI-powered software to analyze legal documents, reducing the need for paralegals.
• Trucking companies experimenting with autonomous trucks, potentially displacing millions of truck drivers.

However, AI also presents opportunities for workers. For example, AI-powered tools can help workers perform their jobs more efficiently and accurately, reduce workplace accidents, and create new job opportunities in areas such as data analysis, software development, and customer service.

The White House initiative will focus on four main areas:

1. Investing in education and training: Workers will need new skills to adapt to the changing job market, and the government will need to invest in education and training programs to ensure that workers have the skills they need.
2. Expanding access to high-quality jobs: As the job market changes, it is essential that workers have access to high-quality jobs that pay well and offer benefits.
3. Strengthening social safety net programs: As workers transition to new jobs, there may be periods when they are unemployed or underemployed, and the government will need to ensure that social safety net programs are robust enough to support them.
4. Supporting innovation and entrepreneurship: AI presents opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship, and the government can play a role in supporting these efforts by investing in research and development and creating a supportive regulatory environment.

In conclusion, the White House's new initiative to study the risks and opportunities presented by AI is a significant step in protecting workers from the negative consequences of automation and ensuring that everyone benefits from this technological advancement. While AI presents real risks to jobs and worker livelihoods, it also presents opportunities for innovation, growth, and prosperity. With the right policies and programs, we can ensure that workers are adequately prepared for the future and that society as a whole reaps the benefits of AI.

• Reference URLs: https://www.reuters.com/technology/white-house-takes-new-steps-study-ai-risks-determine-impact-workers-2021-07-21/

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• Article Category: AI and the Future of Work