U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders has called for deep social and economic reforms in response to the rapid implementation of artificial intelligence and automation, which could lead to mass unemployment among Americans.
This is reported by Business • Media
- Sanders proposes reducing the workweek to 32 hours.
- The politician advocates for the implementation of universal basic income.
- The senator emphasizes the need to strengthen unions to protect workers’ rights.
Criticism of Corporations and Call for Change
In a recent interview on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Bernie Sanders sharply criticized the largest tech companies for their policies regarding the use of artificial intelligence. He warned that automation could displace millions of people from the job market, and corporate leaders are “absolutely indifferent” to the fate of ordinary workers.
“I am not against technology — it can offer real benefits — but it must serve the working people, not just billionaires like Musk,” Sanders stated.
Among the steps he proposed are the implementation of universal basic income, reducing the workweek to 32 hours, and transferring decision-making regarding AI development from private companies to the public. He stressed that the future of society should not depend on the decisions of a narrow circle of corporate executives.
Technology Should Serve People
Sanders emphasized that key decisions regarding the development of artificial intelligence should be made by citizens, not top executives of large companies. The politician again highlighted the importance of ensuring guaranteed access to education, healthcare, and raising the minimum wage for all citizens.
Separately, the senator pointed out that he is not against technological progress but warns that automation should not be accompanied by mass layoffs. He also expressed skepticism about the idea of emotional attachment to digital interlocutors, calling it “extremely foolish” and emphasized that genuine human connections cannot be replaced by artificial intelligence.
In light of these discussions, Pope Leo XIV previously identified artificial intelligence as the main threat to humanity, stressing the need for moral oversight over technologies and prioritizing this issue for the Vatican.
It is worth noting that New York State recently passed the RAISE law, aimed at preventing potential catastrophic consequences from the implementation of artificial intelligence.