London Mayor Sadiq Khan: AI could become a ‘weapon of mass destruction’ for jobs (www.techradar.com)

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has issued a stark warning about the potential for Artificial Intelligence to trigger significant job losses, particularly in white-collar sectors like finance and creative industries that dominate the city's workforce. In a recent address to business leaders, Khan emphasized that junior and entry-level positions are especially vulnerable as AI technologies advance. He highlighted a moral and economic obligation for businesses to adopt AI responsibly, urging leaders to harness its potential as a force for good rather than allowing it to become a “weapon of mass destruction” for jobs. To address these concerns, Khan announced the formation of a taskforce focused on AI's impact on the future of work, which will provide free AI training for London residents and assess the implications for employment in the city. As over half of Londoners anticipate job changes due to AI within the next year, there are growing fears of a market correction that could exacerbate unemployment. While acknowledging the transformative benefits AI can bring to public services and productivity, Khan's call to action underscores the urgent need for strategic measures to mitigate job displacement amidst the backdrop of the UK government's substantial investments in AI development.