DoorDash will start paying gig workers for creating content to train AI models (www.engadget.com)

DoorDash has introduced a new initiative called Tasks, allowing gig workers, or Dashers, to earn extra income by creating content to train AI models. This includes activities such as taking photos of restaurant dishes and recording unscripted conversations in various languages. The content generated will be utilized to enhance DoorDash's in-house AI models as well as those from partner companies across industries like retail, insurance, hospitality, and technology. A standalone app for submitting content will also be piloted, with pay rates disclosed upfront and varying based on the activity's complexity. This approach is significant for the AI/ML community as it addresses ongoing legal challenges surrounding the utilization of copyright material for AI training without consent. By compensating gig workers directly for their contributions, DoorDash not only fosters a new revenue stream for its workforce but also champions ethical content generation for AI training purposes. This model could set a precedent for other companies in the AI and robotics fields, encouraging a more transparent and fair compensation system for individuals providing valuable training data.