Labor and the Coalition are poised to take a reckless gamble on AI. Haven’t they realised community support has collapsed? | Edward Santow and Sarah Sacher
Summary
Australia’s Labor and Coalition parties are agreeing on expanding the use of artificial intelligence (AI), but public trust in AI is getting worse. Experts warn that AI is already creating problems for workers by increasing surveillance and pressure without enough legal protection for employees.Key Facts
- Only 30% of Australians believed AI’s benefits outweighed its risks last year, and trust is decreasing.
- Australia set up a joint parliamentary committee to study AI’s impact on economy, environment, and society.
- Businesses want the government to promote AI innovation, but many Australians are concerned about AI’s risks.
- AI is being used to monitor workers closely, often without their knowledge, through devices and software like Microsoft Teams.
- Workers face pressures from AI-driven productivity targets, leading to physical and mental health issues.
- Remote workers may be watched continuously, including audio recordings during private conversations.
- Rideshare drivers can lose work based on AI assessments of conditions outside their control.
- Current Australian workplace laws do not adequately protect workers from AI surveillance or give employers clear rules on monitoring.
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