AI's Hidden Costs: The Truth Behind the Convenience Revolution

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been touted as a revolutionary force with the potential to change our world. From driverless vehicles to searching dishes on Google, AI makes life easier. But as the 7NEWS Spotlight team uncovered, there’s a hidden cost to this tech-driven utopia.

The Underlying Cost of AI: Powering the Revolution

Imagine the speed and intelligence of computers doing our work efficiently. AI promises us wealth, health, and even curing critical diseases like cancer. “A billion dollars are being invested in AI daily,” says Toby Walsh, Chief Scientist at UNSW.ai. This technology holds tremendous promise for longevity and health.

Yet, beneath this narrative lies an unsettling reality. Millions of underpaid workers in places like Nairobi, Kenya, toil tirelessly, unseen and unheard, to power these AI advancements. According to 7NEWS, this hidden network of ‘data labelers’ feeds and sustains the AI engine by categorizing images, annotating data, and more.

Voices from the Ground: The African Heroes

Joan, Michael, and Chychy are among these essential workers. Labels, images, and notes fuel AI’s learning. While the term ‘artificial’ prevails globally, they call it ‘African intelligence’ as they bear the brunt of this digital age. The women report being treated as modern slaves, and demand the narrative to be corrected in favor of transparency and ethics.

Reality of Their Work: The Human Toll

From labeling everyday objects to explicit material for adult content regulation, their daily routines vary intensely. Michael, determined to pay his son’s cancer treatment bills, had to endure portraying adult content for months. This work isn’t directly linked to tech giants. They, alongside their kind, work for intermediary companies, often receiving a mere few cents per task.

The Enigma of Appen: Contradictions and Controversy

Appen, a company that works closely with key players like Microsoft, Apple, and Google among others, finds itself in a controversial spotlight. The Kenyan workforce reports discrepancies in payments, often receiving none despite fulfilling demands. This $500 million firm repeatedly faces allegations regarding workers’ treatment.

Towards Ethical AI: Advocating for Change

There’s a rising call to action among these workers. They’ve united to form a data labelers’ association, aiming for ethical AI practices. They wish for investors and companies to engage with honest labor practices, ensuring fair compensation and humane conditions.

“I think it’s high time the investors know where is this data coming from,” voices Chychy. As these resilient workers demand justice, they beckon the world toward sustainable AI, where human dignity is upheld.

The Call for Transparency: Questions for Appen

Critical questions have been raised. Why don’t these companies fully disclose the purpose and destination of workers’ contributions? There’s an urgent need for transparency and fair compensation practices to reimagine a fairer digital world.

Watch the full episode of SLAVES to AI: the hidden truth behind artificial intelligence on 7plus and YouTube.