AI's "hidden labour" and the move toward a linkless internet

Future Tense

Artificial intelligence, it turns out, has a heavy human backend — they're called "data labellers"; they mostly live in developing countries, and there are ethical questions about their pay and work conditions. So, why aren't we talking more about them? Also, Google and other search companies have begun replacing hyperlinks with AI summaries. It's a move seemingly in line with our AI obsessed times, but what will it do to the tapestry of the internet? And will it simply make online information even harder to verify?

Guests

Dr Zena Assaad — Senior lecturer, School of Engineering, Australian National University

Professor Toby Walsh — Laureate Fellow and Scientia Professor of Artificial Intelligence, University of New South Wales

Dr Collin Jennings — writer and academic

Further information

Collin Jennings' article: A linkless internet