Humans in the Loop

Now, if you have had a chance to read the AI plan for America, the Trump government’s big plan – perhaps, beautiful big plan? – you might not at first notice what is missing.

The plan is silent on the core issues of contemporary concern regarding AI’s impact on the workplace. It champions the American worker in its rhetoric, but architects a policy landscape that prioritizes corporate and national strategic interests. It starts with the bold statement of “AI will improve the lives of Americans by complementing their work—not replacing it”.

I get that the administration will want to offer bold reassurance but the detail is missing. In a climate of public anxiety about AI-driven mass unemployment, this framing is designed to build broad support for the administration’s aggressive, pro-innovation agenda.

There is some good references to worker side support. It mandates the prioritisation of AI skill development, especially in the federal functions. There is tax-breaks hinted at retraining for displaced workers. And there is even a chat about AI Workforce Research hub being set up.

I’m like “we don’t have that already?”

Which is kinda to my point. The plan is laden with rhetoric but the underlying premise is focused on deregulation, federal power to discourage some worker protections and business efficiency.

There’s some laudable ideas in the document. But it is imbalanced towards business, and arguably some of the current admins political ideals.

There is zero reference to improving current working conditions, sharing the benefits of AI through controlling excessive profiteering and the dark side of AI to workers. The likelihood of greater threat, control, reduced autonomy and even greater insecurity are all simply bypassed.

America wants to keep its position as a global leader in AI. That means, suffocating China, unleashing innovation via deregulation and threatening states who don’t get in line with ensuring AI work is not “woke”.

The last point irks me most. They are threatening withholding of funds from states if they don’t align to enforced FCC regulatory direction. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) identifies this is a de facto “preemption effort” that “stifles local initiatives to uphold civil rights and shield communities from biased AI systems.”

There’s a danger this creates a greater imbalance between business and employee rights. Privacy could be a luxury!

Anyway, it’s a good plan for business. It’s just forgetting to bring people in on the benefits and opportunities!

James Stewart