The senator Bernie SandersI-Vt., warned Sunday that artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics could replace American workers and even harm children’s social development if technology is controlled by billionaires prioritizing profits over people.
Speaking at a “Fighting the Oligarchy” conference gathering in Mainethe Vermont independent argued that AI could worsen economic inequality and worsen a mental health crisis among young people.
“Kids are becoming more and more alone,” Sanders said. “I don’t want the next generation to have AI robots as friends. I want them to have other children, other human beings as friends.”
Sanders said artificial intelligence and robotics are poised to become “the most transformative economic revolution in the history of this country” and warned that the technology could eliminate jobs in many sectors.
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Sen. Bernie Sanders speaks at a “Fight the Oligarchy” rally in Orono, Maine, where he warned that artificial intelligence and robotics could replace workers and worsen economic inequality. (Fox News / Fox News)
“What is the function of AI and robotics? “”Sanders asked the crowd. “It’s to replace human labor.”
The senator cited manufacturing automation and the future expansion of driverless vehicles as examples of looming workforce disruptions.
“Truck and taxi drivers, Uber drivers, Lyft drivers, etc. will lose their jobs in the not-so-immediate future,” Sanders said.
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Sen. Bernie Sanders speaks at a “Fight the Oligarchy” rally in Orono, Maine, where he warned that artificial intelligence and robotics could replace workers and worsen economic inequality. (Fox News / Fox News)
Even though Sanders acknowledged AI could offer benefitsincluding reducing the work week while maintaining wages, he argued that technology must be regulated to ensure that it benefits workers rather than wealthy tech executives.
“What we need to do is make sure that AI and robotics work for everyone, not just the billionaires who are developing this technology,” he said.
Sanders also warned of the potential societal impacts of artificial intelligence, including misinformation and the increasing social isolation of children.
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Meta is reportedly considering layoffs that could affect up to 20% of its workforce as the company invests heavily in artificial intelligence infrastructure. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
“If AI undermines our democracy by put things on screens where you can’t tell truth from fiction, that’s a bad thing,” Sanders said.
The senator specifically criticized Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, saying company executives are prioritizing profits over workers as AI rapidly develops.
“These guys are in it for the money,” Sanders said. “They want more wealth and more power, and they don’t care what happens to the workers.”
The remarks were made during the final stop of Sanders’ “Fighting the Oligarchy” national tour, which has focused heavily on wealth inequality, corporate power and opposition to President Donald Trump.
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During his speech, Sanders also accused billionaires and superPACs of trying to “own and control the U.S. Congress” and called the U.S. political system increasingly dominated by the interests of the wealthy.