AI’s threat to jobs in real world

There are all kinds of apocalyptic warnings about the emergence of artificial intelligence. Experts are warning that the new technology is inherently dangerous. And some are urging governments to put a stop to it as we begin to fully understand its potential.

But aside from the abstract dangers there are all sorts of real-world implications for AI.

This week, it emerged that thousands of BT staff are at risk.

Up to 55,000 jobs are set to vanish in the next decade, with staff replaced by AI.

That’s thousands of lives ruined as business looks to make things more efficient.

In practice, automated services are never as good as the human touch.

We’ve all struggled with endless menus and on-hold music as you try to navigate those awful customer service menus.

Everyone prefers being able to get through to a human being.

It might save business a few pounds but it is nothing but frustrating for customers. Of course, the most important thing is jobs. BT has pledged to redeploy staff but there will inevitably be losses.

And this scheme is being presided over by Philip Jansen, a BT boss who takes home a massive amount every year.

Mr Jansen has been called “Food Bank Phil” after workers in a North Tyneside call centre had a food bank set up for them.

Customer service advisers take home about £11 an hour.

Last year, Mr Jansen took home £3.46million. You don’t need artificial intelligence – or any kind of intelligence – to see that that’s wrong.

But it’s always the way. The rich get richer and the first use of new technology is to put people out of their jobs.