Telecom giant ‘British Telecom’ (BT) has announced that it will replace 10,000 employees with artificial intelligence (AI) over the next seven years. The news has sparked a lively debate about the revolutionary impact of robots on our jobs.
There is a growing fear that the rise of AI will have a devastating effect on employment. Experts also warn that 300 million jobs may disappear.
However, BT is one of the first major global companies to indicate how many employees will be affected by the AI revolution. CEO Philip Jansen stressed that the company will benefit greatly from AI and that the technology can create jobs to replace lost positions. He acknowledges the risks, but sees AI as an emerging force similar to the internet and mobile phones.
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While machines won’t fully replace human interaction, some are concerned about the impact of AI chatbots on customer service. Caroline Abrahams of Age UK, a charitable organization, emphasizes that organizations must find a balance to continue to support older customers well.
BT wants to use AI to serve customers, specifically with the chatbot ‘Aimee’. In addition, artificial intelligence will help with energy efficiency and the expansion of the fiber optic internet cable network.
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The announcement sparked outrage. While some business leaders, including Google’s Sundar Pichai, warn of the potential dangers, other tech companies such as Google and Microsoft have already launched AI-related products and services.
BT’s plans to cut 40 per cent of its workforce, equivalent to around 55,000 jobs, is part of a larger restructuring plan.
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