Originally published in Tech Policy Press on March 24, 2025
The companies developing so-called artificial general intelligence (AGI) and their backers have been making two big promises: this new technology will yield huge financial returns and solve all of the world’s problems. Both claims should be viewed with skepticism, especially by investors.
Open MIC and ICCR recently collaborated to release “Dehumanization, Discrimination and Deskilling: The Impact of Digital Tech on Low-Wage Workers.” The investor brief explores how surveillance tech, algorithmic management systems, displacement by AI and automated hiring tools contribute to increased workplace discrimination, diminished autonomy, and reduced job quality.
Encouraged by strong votes at AI companies, as well as Microsoft’s inaugural Responsible AI Transparency Report, Open MIC and partners seek to build momentum for more disclosure and remediation of AI risks.
Investors in Meta Inc. and Alphabet Inc. used votes at their recent annual meetings to highlight serious concerns about the deployment of generative artificial intelligence (gAI) technology and its potential to generate harmful disinformation and misinformation. A shareholder proposal at Meta won 56.3% of the independent shareholder vote, while a similar proposal at Alphabet won 45.7% of the independent shareholder vote.
At Meta’s annual meeting last week, a majority of independent shareholders (53.6%), representing $635 billion in market cap, voted in favor of a proposition demanding more disclosure of the costs and risks associated with the development and deployment of generative AI products. Alphabet shareholders will vote on a similar resolution this Friday.
Originally published in Tech Policy Press on March 24, 2025
The companies developing so-called artificial general intelligence (AGI) and their backers have been making two big promises: this new technology will yield huge financial returns and solve all of the world’s problems. Both claims should be viewed with skepticism, especially by investors.
