Comment

Representation ID: 11156

Received: 24/09/2021

Respondent: Mr Richard Carter

Something that is worth saying at this point is that there is a place for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technology in our society. However, while investigating possible uses of such technology, there is an underlying requirement to consider the ramifications of any
implementation on society, i.e. the benefits of implementing technology need to be balanced against potential negative human impact.
If we consider the desire within businesses, and some echelons of society, to increase the use of
driverless vehicles and supermarkets without staffed checkouts, for example, although such
moves should help businesses to become more profitable, they will also dramatically increase
unemployment levels, the strain on society and, in all probability, poverty. In a society where finding meaningful employment is already an uphill struggle, where will the people displaced by these trends work? Where will they obtain the finances to allow them to purchase goods or services from the very businesses that no longer feel there is a need to employ them?