Abstract
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Hundreds of Venezuelans are working in the shadows of the AI industry, training algorithms for minimal pay.
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These «ghost workers» perform tasks such as data labeling, content moderation, and information gathering.
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Despite the billion-dollar industry, these workers barely survive on their earnings.
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The situation highlights the need for regulation and ethical considerations in the AI industry.
Seven years ago, the economic crisis in Venezuela forced Oskarina Fuentes to become an invisible worker in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) industry. Her role involves labeling data to improve the performance of internet robots, earning just enough to survive. Fuentes, along with hundreds of other Venezuelans, is part of a workforce that powers the AI industry, performing tasks that range from gathering information to moderating content.
Ghost Workers of AI
These «ghost workers» are essential to the functioning of AI systems. They provide information to computational models, enabling them to make decisions, improve internet searches, and even operate complex algorithms like those in autonomous vehicles. Despite the importance of their work, these workers earn between $200 and $300 a month, barely enough to survive.
The Billion-Dollar Industry
Behind the scenes of this billion-dollar industry, workers like Fuentes struggle to make ends meet. The deep economic crisis in Venezuela has forced many to seek alternative methods of survival, and data labeling platforms, which require no special qualifications, have emerged as a viable option.
The Need for Regulation
The situation of these workers highlights the need for regulation in the AI industry. Despite the significant contributions they make, these workers have no formal ties with the companies they work for and are not guaranteed regular tasks. Their work often does not align with their time zones, forcing them to work at any given time.
The Human Cost of AI
The human cost of AI is often overlooked. Workers like Fuentes, despite their invaluable contributions to the industry, are left to grapple with precarious living conditions. Their work, which includes tasks such as moderating content to prevent the circulation of horrific scenes on the internet, is often mentally taxing. Yet, they are paid meager amounts that barely cover their basic needs.
The Exploitation of Economic Crisis
The economic crisis in Venezuela has made its citizens vulnerable to exploitation. Data labeling platforms have capitalized on this situation, offering work that requires no special qualifications. This has made them an attractive option for many Venezuelans struggling to survive amidst the economic turmoil.
The Call for Better Working Conditions
Despite the challenging conditions, these workers continue to hope for better opportunities. Fuentes, for instance, hopes that her efforts will be recognized and that she will be considered for better opportunities. She and her colleagues want Appen, the platform they work for, to continue operating but also to offer more tasks and better pay.
The Need for Ethical AI
The plight of these workers underscores the need for ethical considerations in the AI industry. As AI continues to permeate various aspects of our lives, it is crucial to ensure that the industry operates on principles that respect human rights and dignity. This includes fair pay and decent working conditions for all workers, regardless of their geographical location.
Conclusion
The story of Venezuelan «ghost workers» in the AI industry is a stark reminder of the ethical considerations that need to be addressed in this field. As AI continues to evolve and grow, it is crucial to ensure that the workers who contribute to its development are treated fairly and adequately compensated. The industry must move towards a more ethical and inclusive model that respects and values the contributions of all its workers.