Tom Steyer Is Prepared to Take On the AI Billionaires

The debate over artificial intelligence centers on policy decisions rather than the technology itself. The future of AI as a new industrial revolution will affect work, communication, social organization, and warfare. Artificial intelligence needs to be disarmed, with the term chosen to attract attention, awaken consciences, and point toward paths forward for humanity. Concern focuses on whether a small group of tech leaders will shape outcomes for the planet. Political leaders are urged to challenge efforts by billionaires to develop AI and buy influence through spending and lobbying. Some officials call for moratoriums on AI data centers and propose regulation, taxation of tech billionaires, and support for education and training for working people.

"Pope Leo's groundbreaking encyclical on AI reminds us that the great debate of our moment is not really about technology. It is about the policy choices that will decide whether this new industrial revolution-which is destined to upend everything about how we work, communicate, organize society, and fight wars-will be made to improve the lives of ordinary people or the bottom-line interests of billionaires trying to become trillionaires."

"Leo is clear about where he stands, writing, "Artificial intelligence needs to be disarmed." Yes, he admits, "The word [disarmed] is strong, I know, but deliberately chosen because this moment needs words capable of attracting attention, awakening consciences and indicating paths forward for humanity.""

"The question then becomes whether political leaders will challenge the rush by a few billionaires to both develop artificial intelligence and buy influence over the future of AI through massive political spending and lobbying efforts. So far, only a handful of elected officials and candidates have displayed the knowledge and the courage to join the debate on behalf of the many."

"Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders has stepped up in a big way, calling for a moratorium on the development of AI data centers to slow the AI-driven rush toward the robotification of workplaces, the amplification of disinformation, the elevation of surveillance, and the acceleration of weaponization. So has US Rep. Ro Khanna, the California Democrat who has proposed smart strategies for regulating AI, taxing tech billionaires, and ensuring that working-class Americans have access to the education, training, and opportunities they will need to get by in a future transformed by artificial intelligence and robots."

Read at The Nation