developers addhired by Google to moderate the search engine’s generative artificial intelligence, complained to the US Congress about inadequate working conditions. A team of six said the company is violating labor obligations set by the tech giant, which could affect the performance of the chatbot known as bard.

According to the complaint, Appen kept wages low even after Google set a $15 an hour minimum wage for contractors in 2019 to pay employees. The workers told the Washington Post that the company never made it to that mark, paying just $14.50 an hour to avoid paying benefits. In addition, they reported short and sometimes impossible deadlines for completing tasks.

One of the officials stated in a letter sent to the US Congress: “They often don’t have enough time to evaluate longer answers.This means that a moderator can only have 5 minutes to review Bard’s response on a topic as complex as the American Civil War. Workers argued that overuse could result in a defective and potentially dangerous product.

case

According to the Washington Post, Appen employees fought for nearly a year to improve working conditions, but were fired two weeks after sending the letter to Congress. One worker said the company used “economic conditions” as a justification for layoffs. So far, Appen has not commented on the allegations.

In response to the accusations, Courtney Mencini, a spokesperson for Google, said that Appen is responsible for the working conditions of its employees, including wages, benefits and assigned tasks. Mencini noted that Google respects the right of workers to join a union or participate in organizational activities, but believes that this is a matter between workers and their employer, Appen.

Complaints filed by Appen employees highlight the need for greater regulation of the use of artificial intelligence and the working conditions of those involved in its development and operation. The case highlights the importance of enforcing labor rights and protecting workers in the context of rapid technological change.

Mundo Conectado Deal Center: Selection of Discounts and Lowest Prices
Best deals on electronics, cell phones, TVs, soundbars, drones and more

Source: Washington Post.

…..