Fears of an artificial intelligence apocalypse make the news, but it's AI-fuelled inequality we should worry about, says Andrew Simms

Josie Ford

ONE of the biggest potential impacts of artificial intelligence is often overlooked. Rather than the frequently touted extremes of technological utopia or an end to humanity, AI could entrench and deepen the status quo, intensifying business as usual by ramping up overconsumption and inequality. For many scientists, this is a big concern.

Scientists for Global Responsibility, a campaign group for scientists and engineers that I work for, recently surveyed its 750 members about AI’s effects on the future. Nine out of 10 respondents thought that AI would deliver more power and economic benefit to corporations than to citizens. …