By John Q. Hosedrinker 
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Canadian PM Trudeau’s recent comments about ensuring artificial intelligence benefits everyone, not just “oligarchs,” highlight a critical concern about the future of this transformative technology. The fear isn’t unfounded; the potential for AI to exacerbate existing inequalities is real and deeply troubling. We’re seeing a pattern where technological advancements, instead of lifting everyone, primarily enrich those already at the top.
This isn’t a new phenomenon. History is replete with examples of technological progress widening the gap between the haves and have-nots. AI, with its potential to automate vast swathes of the workforce, carries this risk to an unprecedented level. The worry is that jobless growth, benefiting only corporations and the wealthy elite, becomes the dominant outcome. This isn’t about “tinfoil hat” theories; it’s a realistic projection based on current economic trends and the inherent power dynamics of our systems.
The concentration of wealth at the top is a major issue, and AI simply provides another tool for those already in power to consolidate their position. The idea of AI benefiting workers “in our current system” feels naive. The existing system is built to funnel wealth upward; AI, under current circumstances, is more likely to accelerate this process rather than reverse it. A Canadian AI model, developed differently, offers a potential alternative. Instead of creating an AI that simply mirrors existing biases and power structures, a Canadian-designed AI could incorporate principles of fairness and equitable distribution from the outset.
The potential for misuse of AI is significant. Imagine government policy being generated by AI models that aren’t transparent, models potentially tweaked to favor specific interests. This is where the “oligarchs” gain a dangerous advantage. They have the resources to acquire and manipulate these technologies, shaping their development in ways that benefit them while excluding everyone else. This isn’t just theoretical; the acquisition of OpenAI by someone like Elon Musk demonstrates how quickly this scenario could unfold.
This race towards AI development also raises ethical and environmental concerns. The sheer energy consumption required to train and run advanced AI models is staggering, and the environmental consequences must be addressed. We shouldn’t blindly rush into this technology without considering its broader impact. Furthermore, the potential for AI to be used against us, to further consolidate power and suppress dissent, should not be ignored. There have always been those who benefit from exploiting new technologies and silencing any dissenters.
Trudeau’s stance, though seemingly late, is a positive step. It acknowledges the existing power imbalances and the potential for AI to worsen them. It’s a recognition that we can’t simply leave the development of AI to the whims of corporations and the wealthy. The goal should be to create AI that is designed for the benefit of all, rather than a small, privileged few. This requires strategic intervention and a societal focus on equitable access and outcomes. Perhaps a basic income program to help mitigate the loss of jobs due to automation, funded by those who benefit most from AI, could be part of this solution. But simply regulating the outcome without addressing the underlying issue of wealth distribution won’t fix the problem.
The idea that everyone benefits from AI currently is a misleading simplification. While some individuals and groups have found ways to utilize AI for their benefit, the broad societal impact has been uneven, with the advantages concentrated at the top. A fairer, more equitable future with AI requires a conscious and proactive effort to ensure that its benefits are shared widely and its potential harms are mitigated. The debate goes beyond whether AI will only benefit the rich, it is now about how to shape this powerful technology to prevent this very outcome. It’s about actively fighting for a future where AI serves humanity as a whole, not just a select few.