Artificial Intelligence. Nearly 60% of respondents to a survey desire regulation of AI in UK employment

Almost 60% of people in the UK believe that the government should regulate the use of generative AI technologies, such as ChatGPT, in workplaces to protect jobs, according to a recent survey conducted by the Prospect trade union. This finding indicates strong public support for the implementation of regulations amidst increasing concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence on the workforce.

With leading figures in the tech industry also advocating for restrictions on the rapid development of AI, the survey results reinforce the growing consensus that regulation is necessary. Out of over 1,000 respondents surveyed last month, 58% agreed that the government should set rules around the use of generative AI to safeguard workers’ jobs. Only 12% believed that the government should refrain from interference, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing worker protection over potential benefits.

Read also: EU Commission Issues Internal Guidelines on ChatGPT and Generative AI

AI technologies have been utilized by employers for some time, particularly in areas such as target-setting and decision-making related to hiring and firing. However, the prominence of these technologies has significantly increased following the introduction of ChatGPT, which garnered 100 million users within two months of its launch.

The potential impact of AI on employment has been a subject of intense speculation. Analysts at Goldman Sachs recently suggested that AI could replace up to 300 million jobs, amounting to a quarter of the global workforce. However, it is worth noting that many of these lost jobs would be substituted by new roles that would collaborate with AI technology. Administrative jobs were identified as being particularly vulnerable, followed by professions in law, architecture, and engineering.

The Prospect trade union, representing skilled workers such as scientists and engineers, highlights that many employees already experience some form of AI through automated decision-making, often coupled with workplace surveillance. This hidden decision-making aspect of AI tools creates unease among workers regarding the transparency and fairness of these systems. Andrew Pakes, the deputy general secretary of the union, urges the government to proactively engage with both employees and employers to establish fair regulations for the use of AI technology, rather than waiting for problems to escalate.

The survey also unveiled additional concerns regarding privacy and surveillance in the workplace. A significant 71% of workers expressed discomfort with having their movements tracked while on the job, while 59% opposed the monitoring of their keyboard usage during remote work.

In a recently published white paper, the UK government seemed inclined towards adopting a laissez-faire approach to AI development. However, Prospect emphasizes the importance of addressing the current implications of AI, in addition to future risks. Pakes asserts that the government can take action today to establish fair regulations that mitigate the potential adverse effects of AI.

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has also called for limits on the collection and utilization of employee data by employers, which can subsequently be used in automated decision-making processes. Mary Towers, who leads the TUC’s work on AI in the workplace, emphasized the role of data in influencing and controlling workers’ conditions. The TUC advocates for transparency, urging employers to disclose the data gathered about employees and its purpose of use.

In conclusion, the survey findings indicate a clear public desire for the regulation of AI technologies in UK workplaces to protect jobs. As concerns about the impact of AI on employment continue to grow, both the public and tech industry leaders are calling for government intervention to establish fair and transparent rules. It is crucial for policymakers to address the current challenges associated with AI while considering the potential risks it may pose in the future. By engaging with employees and employers, the government can play a proactive role in shaping the future of work, ensuring that AI technologies are deployed in a manner that safeguards workers’ rights and well-being.

Source: The Guardian