Meta's $15 Billion Scale AI Deal Could Leave Gig Workers Behind
Briefly

Meta is preparing to invest $15 billion in acquiring a 49% stake in Scale AI, a leading data annotation firm. This deal would position Scale's CEO, Alexandr Wang, at the helm of Meta's new AI unit focused on superintelligence, enhancing competition against other tech giants. However, sociologists warn that the impoverished contract workers behind Scale AI's data services are unlikely to benefit from the investment, continuing the cycle of low pay and poor conditions typical in the gig economy. A recent Oxford report criticized Scale's subsidiary for failing to meet fair labor standards.
Meta's $15 billion stake acquisition in Scale AI could intensify competition in the AI sector, but it raises concerns about the welfare of low-paid contract workers.
The investment signifies Meta's commitment to advancing AI superintelligence, particularly in light of competition from giants like OpenAI and Google.
While Scale AI's leadership may gain wealth from this deal, sociologists stress that most contract workers will see no benefits, reinforcing existing disparities.
Reports indicate that Scale AI's contract workers experience unequal pay and poor working conditions, further highlighting the exploitative nature of gig economy jobs.
Read at time.com
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