AI in Chinese Workplaces: Efficiency or Exploitation?

Is AI in the workplace a boon for productivity or a blueprint for exploitation?

China's rapid integration of AI in the workplace, driven by market forces, offers a revealing case study on the impact of technology on labor. With few restrictions on developers, AI tools have proliferated, enhancing business efficiency but often at the expense of workers.

This dynamic is particularly harsh in low-skilled jobs and lower value-added sectors like raw materials processing, where AI-driven workforce management exacerbates job insecurity and stress. Employees face higher workloads, extended hours, and intense pressure to meet algorithmic performance metrics.

The aggressive use of AI in these sectors highlights a stark power imbalance, favoring employers who control data and algorithms. As international policymakers look to incorporate AI, China’s experience underscores the need for comprehensive evaluation to prevent negative consequences.

Can the lessons from China help us create a more balanced and ethical AI integration in workplaces worldwide?

Read the full article on Chatham House.

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