In the face of AI, activists take radical action

New technologies often lead to resistance. AI is no exception, as opposition is growing globally. Protest takes various forms, from rejection to peaceful activism to more radical actions.

The art world is worried about AI

The entertainment world proved this to us during the recent strikes in Hollywood or even in the world of video games since the use of AI was among the union demands. The main fears of artists? That technology threatens their jobs and their creativity.

Hayao Miyazaki, who needs no introduction, has openly expressed his rejection of the use of AI in art. The Japanese filmmaker even believes that this technology is a “insult to life itself”. Also in the world of cinema, a London cinema has cancelled the screening of an AI-generated film following criticism from regulars.

When it is companies that generate images by AI, it still doesn't go down well. Several brands such as Lego or the BBC have been heavily criticized. On a smaller scale, an advertisement for Chamonix, generated by AI, caused controversy as reported by franceinfo.

Protest movements across the world

Movements exist like “Pause AI” who notably demonstrated in front of the headquarters of OpenAI, to whom we owe ChatGPT to demand a moratorium. The French Association Against AI (AFCIA) is pursuing this goal on a smaller scale. Of course, there are also more radical actions, such as some activists chaining themselves to the entrances of technology company headquarters.

Resistance can also be more peaceful: Glaze software, designed by American students, protects artistic works against AI theft with an invisible watermark that disrupts algorithms.

A movement described as “neo-luddite”

As explained BFMTVthis movement is sometimes referred to as “neo-luddite”This is a parallel to the workers' revolts of the 19th century in England, where weavers led by Ned Ludd destroyed looms for fear of their jobs and wages.

The concerns expressed are similar: loss of jobs, appropriation of human work by AI, risks for the future of humanity and dehumanization of social relations. Some compare the danger of AI to that of nuclear weapons.

As AI advances into our lives, it is very likely that these protest movements will intensify and diversify in the near future.