Study Highlights Potential for AI to Transform Vast Majority of Computer-Based Jobs
A report indicates that up to 70% of tasks in computer-based roles may be significantly altered or replaced by artificial intelligence.
A recent report has indicated that nearly 70% of tasks associated with computer-based jobs could be transformed or replaced by artificial intelligence (AI).
This research, conducted by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), analyzed 22,000 common tasks performed by workers and found that roles in project management, marketing, and administrative support are likely to experience the most significant changes due to advancements in AI technology.
The report comes in light of growing discussions surrounding the implications of AI technologies, underscoring a need for enhanced government intervention.
The IPPR has called for a more comprehensive focus on the ramifications of powerful AI systems, as current policies tend to emphasize the acceleration of AI deployment and safety over broader societal implications.
The release of this study precedes the Paris AI Action Summit, where global leaders, industry experts, and academics will gather to deliberate on international strategies for AI development and usage.
In a related context, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer recently introduced the Government’s AI Action Plan, which aims to position the UK as a global leader in AI while stimulating economic growth.
The plan encompasses initiatives such as expanding AI infrastructure across the country, creating growth zones to foster AI development, enhancing AI safety regulations, and increasing the use of AI within the civil service to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
The dialogue concerning AI's potential impact on jobs has intensified, with some experts projecting significant workforce displacement.
However, proponents of AI, including various tech executives, suggest that AI is intended to assist rather than replace workers, thus improving productivity.
Furthermore, OpenAI has recently unveiled its first suite of AI tools known as 'AI agents,' designed to autonomously perform specific tasks, which many analysts believe could profoundly influence both professional environments and daily living.
Last year, an earlier IPPR report had estimated that up to eight million jobs in the UK could be at risk due to AI advancements in a worst-case scenario.
Carsten Jung, head of AI at the IPPR, emphasized the urgency for political frameworks to adjust to the rapid evolution of AI capabilities, describing these technologies as transformative forces that will not merely serve as tools but as active participants in various sectors.
In additional findings, the IPPR noted that around 930,000 individuals in the UK currently utilize AI digital companions, such as those offered by Character.AI, highlighting a growing trend in human interaction with AI technology.
While these interactions can offer emotional support, concerns about potential addiction and the psychological effects, especially among younger populations, have been raised.
In a separate development, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is exploring the application of AI in analyzing mobile phone evidence during criminal investigations.
Current uses of AI within the PSNI include background checks for firearm license applications, transcription of voice messages, and automated email responses for public inquiries.
Additionally, AI is being employed in the review of extensive CCTV footage in ongoing investigative efforts.
PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher acknowledged the inherent risks of integrating AI into policing, underscoring the necessity for stringent oversight regarding the algorithms and software deployed.
He affirmed the PSNI's commitment to ensuring that AI operations uphold human rights and ethical standards as the organization continues to explore the technology's potential benefits.
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