Hinton Warns of AI Job Losses as Activist Begins Hunger Strike and Older Worker Faces Financial Strain

Lead AI pioneer Geoffrey Hinton cautioned that artificial intelligence could trigger mass unemployment and inequality today, while a protester began a hunger strike outside DeepMind’s London office and a 53-year-old job seeker detailed reliance on gig work to cover bills.

Nut Graf Hinton’s stark prediction underscores rising fears over AI’s societal impact, prompting public demonstrations and spotlighting older workers’ vulnerability in a shifting labor market.

Key Developments

  • “Godfather of AI” Geoffrey Hinton warned that AI advancements risk eroding livelihoods and concentrating wealth, arguing that universal basic income cannot replace job-derived dignity.
  • Activist Michaël Trazzi commenced a hunger strike outside DeepMind’s London headquarters, demanding stricter safety protocols before new AI model releases and highlighting public concern over unchecked AI deployment.
  • A 53-year-old job seeker who’s applied to hundreds of positions described leaning on DoorDash, cost-cutting, and odd jobs after 14 months of unemployment, illustrating challenges older workers face in today’s hiring landscape.

Details

Geoffrey Hinton’s Warning Hinton emphasized AI’s potential to automate 80% of tasks in many roles, potentially widening the wealth gap and stripping individuals of meaningful work. He urged governments and tech leaders to address ethical and economic consequences before further model roll-outs.

DeepMind Hunger Strike Michaël Trazzi’s protest targets CEO Demis Hassabis and calls for a moratorium on new AI systems until robust safeguards are in place. The strike highlights activism converging on tech policy amid public unease over AI’s rapid progression.

Older Worker’s Struggle The job seeker, after 14 months without a stable role, reported tapping gig platforms like DoorDash and cutting expenses to cover rent and essentials. He believes age discrimination hampers his prospects and warns that mid-career professionals face systemic biases in hiring.