AI Debate Should Prioritise Pro-Worker Systems to Prevent Wider Inequality: Expert

In *The Humanist Review of AI*, Acemoglu, an Institute Professor at MIT, argued that the AI debate should move beyond speculation about Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and focus instead on practical policies that encourage the development of "pro-worker" AI systems.

AGI refers to a hypothetical form of artificial intelligence that can match or exceed human cognitive abilities across a broad range of intellectual tasks and domains.

Acemoglu said no single policy solution could redirect AI development, arguing instead for a broader shift in perspective toward technologies that complement human capabilities and contribute to human well-being rather than creating greater material, social, and other forms of disadvantage.

The paper called for policy measures to steer AI development away from an excessive focus on automation. It proposed creating corporate demand for pro-worker tools, showing that such systems can succeed, developing a market environment that lets new ideas and business models emerge, and investing in the infrastructure needed to support worker-oriented AI.

Acemoglu also pointed to the prevailing business models of major technology companies, which largely focus on selling software to corporations and generating revenue through digital advertising. He argued that these models have provided limited incentives to develop AI tools specifically designed to augment workers.

The paper also highlighted the technology sector's concentration, saying the current competitive environment may make it difficult for new companies to experiment with alternative business models.

Acemoglu described another challenge as a mismatch in expectations between businesses and technology developers. Companies often assume that the new AI products available to them will primarily be automation tools and consequently plan their operations around that assumption.

At the same time, technology companies expect businesses to continue demanding automation-focused products rather than pro-worker systems, leading them to direct their investments and development efforts accordingly, the paper said.

Acemoglu noted that nearly 52 per cent of US citizens are concerned about AI's potential impact on their jobs. He also pointed to wider fears surrounding AI, including concerns about its impact on the information ecosystem and democracy, as well as speculation over its potential to pose an existential threat to civilisation.

However, Acemoglu argued that AI's economic benefits may not reach the levels some industry proponents anticipate. He cited several studies and reports that, according to him, have found limited evidence of significant productivity gains from AI adoption among most companies.