THE RAPID adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) could disproportionately affect women and disadvantaged groups in terms of job losses, according to a major new government report.
The policy paper, prepared by Ansh Bhatnagar, a research fellow at Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology and Devyani Gajjar, a government digital sciences advisor states that Artificial intelligence (AI) is set to have a major impact on society, from everyday applications and decision-making.
It says, “There are implications for security, privacy, transparency, liability, labour rights, intellectual property and disinformation. It presents some risks and benefits to democracy more widely.” Additionally, the paper underlines the fact that there is currently no dedicated AI legislation in the UK.
The research warns that stakeholders have raised concerns that AI developments may disproportionately affect disadvantaged groups. Stating that the majority of clerical work is currently carried out by women, who may be exposed to higher levels of job losses.
It states that academics, think tanks, and technology trade associations have recommended that the Government should help workers retrain and gain relevant skills, and ensure that existing inequalities are not exacerbated.
The researchers state that there has also been an increase in AI used to manage office-based workers, particularly after the shift to remote and hybrid working during the Covid-19 pandemic. This includes surveillance of workers, and use of AI in recruitment, such as sifting CVs.
John Kirk, Deputy CEO at ITG said: “The rapid pace of AI adoption will bring seismic changes to critical business functions like sales and marketing, accelerating productivity and empowering organisations to grow. However, the impact of these technologies on working practices must be carefully considered, with staff provided with the necessary tools and training they need to thrive in this new world of digital work.”
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