The human gig workers behind AI are often subjected to “unfair” working conditions, a new Oxford report says
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Joaquim Cardoso MSc.
Senior Research and Strategy Officer (CRSO),
Chief Editor and Senior Advisor
January 21, 2023
Artificial intelligence (AI) is on the rise, leading to an increased demand for human gig workers who play a crucial role in generating or labeling data to improve AI systems’ reliability and reduce biases.
However, a report from the University of Oxford’s Internet Institute reveals that human gig workers behind AI face “unfair” working conditions across various digital labor platforms.
- Researchers assessed 15 digital work platforms, including Amazon Mechanical Turk, Scale AI, and Appen, and found that none of them met basic labor rights standards.
- The platforms were evaluated based on five principles: fair pay, fair conditions, fair contracts, fair management, and fair representation, with none scoring more than 5 out of 10.
The report highlights that gig workers spend a significant amount of time on “unpaid labor,” including searching for work, taking unpaid tests, and applying for jobs, leading to an average hourly wage of $2.15 per hour in certain cases.
- Some of the platforms surveyed, such as Amazon, Upwork, and Fiverr, disputed the application of minimum wage standards, considering their work to be flexible and voluntary.
While some platforms acknowledged the deficiencies pointed out in the report and pledged to make changes, others touted their scores despite the fact that even a score of 10 out of 10 would only signify meeting basic standards.
The report sheds light on the need for better working conditions and labor rights for gig workers involved in AI-related tasks and calls for more accountability and improvements within the digital labor industry.
To read the full publication:
Gig Workers Behind AI Face ‘Unfair Working Conditions,’ Oxford Report Finds
Time
BY BILLY PERRIGO
JULY 20, 2023
