The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has raised alarms about the potential 'seismic impact' of artificial intelligence (AI) on the economy and society, particularly in sectors like project management, marketing, and administrative support.
A recent study by the IPPR indicates that up to 70% of tasks performed by white-collar workers could be transformed or replaced by AI, highlighting the urgency of addressing these changes.
In a worst-case scenario, the IPPR previously warned that as many as eight million jobs in the UK could be at risk due to AI advancements, emphasizing the need for proactive measures.
The IPPR also highlights that around 930,000 people in the UK engage with AI companions, raising concerns about potential addiction and psychological impacts, particularly among young users.
As discussions about AI's future intensify, the Paris AI Action Summit is set for February 12, 2025, where global leaders will convene to address AI development and usage.
An analysis of 22,000 common tasks suggests that AI will significantly impact organizational, strategic, and analytical tasks in the workplace, further emphasizing the need for democratic debate on AI deployment.
Experts are calling for greater government intervention, arguing that current AI policies focus too heavily on promoting adoption and safety, while neglecting the broader societal implications of powerful AI.
The ongoing debate about AI's impact on the job market reflects concerns about worker displacement, contrasted with the belief that AI can assist rather than replace human roles.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer recently introduced the Government's AI Action Plan, which aims to position the UK as a leader in AI and enhance infrastructure while ensuring safety regulations.
The AI Action Plan outlines measures to improve AI infrastructure, create growth zones, and integrate AI into civil service operations, projecting a potential boost to productivity and economic growth.
OpenAI has made significant strides by launching AI agents capable of autonomously performing specific tasks, which could further influence work and daily life.
Notably, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will not attend the summit, opting to focus on domestic issues, while leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate.
