In recent years, the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has permeated daily life, with tech giants investing billions in developing AI systems that promise to address global challenges. Yet, as Nishad Gothoskar argues in a recent piece for Peoples Dispatch, the surge in AI development carries hidden costs that disproportionately impact working people, the environment, and global communities.
The Energy and Water Demands of AI
AI’s immense computational needs require vast data centers powered by thousands of GPUs, which consume more electricity than many small nations. The environmental toll is clear: as companies like Google and Microsoft expand their data center operations, electricity grids are strained, often forcing higher costs onto consumers and increasing the risk of blackouts, particularly in states like California and Texas. Adding to this is the considerable water consumption required to cool these data centers, exacerbating water scarcity in drought-prone areas such as Arizona and California. Even countries like Uruguay, grappling with historic droughts, are pressured by companies expanding data centers that could further deplete water resources essential for communities.
AI’s Link to Militarization and Surveillance
Beyond commercial use, AI’s applications in militarization and surveillance add another concerning dimension. The U.S. military has invested billions in AI capabilities, often contracting with tech companies for research and development. AI technology is being deployed in conflict zones, where it aids in identifying targets for drone strikes and other military actions. In Gaza, for instance, the Israeli military reportedly uses AI systems to evaluate and target individuals, making life-or-death decisions based on algorithmic outputs. Such applications underscore how AI’s potential for violence risks escalating conflict, particularly when decisions are made with minimal human oversight.
The Hidden Labor Behind AI
While AI is often touted as autonomous, it relies heavily on human labor, much of which is outsourced to workers in the Global South. These workers are tasked with data cleaning, annotation, and content moderation, jobs that are frequently grueling and low-paying. For as little as $1.50 an hour, workers in places like Kenya and Argentina endure poor working conditions, often handling disturbing and traumatic content with little psychological support. For tech companies, this model is cost-effective, yet it leaves workers vulnerable to exploitation and offers little job security.
A Call for Responsible AI Development
While AI holds promise in many areas, Gothoskar argues that without greater accountability and transparency, these technologies will continue to prioritize corporate profits over the welfare of workers and the environment. Only through policies that center the needs of people and communities can the benefits of AI be harnessed without sacrificing the well-being of society.
In conclusion, while AI reshapes our world, its cost is borne by those least able to afford it. Responsible, equitable AI development is essential to ensure that this powerful technology serves humanity rather than undermining it.