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Christy Hoffman, General Secretary of UNI Global Union, is set to address the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos. Her message focuses on the risks posed by emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and the accountability of social media platforms.
Hoffman emphasizes that without worker involvement, AI could exacerbate global inequalities and concentrate power among a small elite. "In just two years, the AI conversation among many employers has shifted from boosting workers to replacing them – all while a handful of companies tighten their grip on the models driving this transformation," she states. Representing millions of union members worldwide, she stresses that if workers are not involved in shaping AI deployment, it will lead to increased inequality rather than beneficial innovation.
Another significant concern for Hoffman is the lack of accountability by social media platforms regarding content accuracy and safety. UNI's affiliates include tech employees at major companies like Meta and Alphabet, as well as data supply chain workers who moderate content and train language models. She warns about the dangers posed by disinformation and deepfakes: "The anti-democratic forces of disinformation, violence and grotesque deepfakes are getting stronger and are at the gates – and without a professional, well-trained, well-paid army of moderators, augmented by ethical AI – they will take over much of what is good about social media."
