As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, a groundbreaking study suggests that up to 70% of tasks in computer-based jobs could either be transformed or entirely replaced by AI.
This revelation has sparked concerns about the future of work, with experts calling for urgent policy interventions.
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has described AI’s potential effect on the economy and society as nothing short of “seismic.” Their latest report highlights that roles relying heavily on computer-based tasks, such as project management, marketing, and administrative support, are the most vulnerable to disruption from AI advancements.
The think tank has urged governments to shift their focus beyond merely accelerating AI adoption and ensuring its safety. Instead, they stress the importance of addressing the “implications of powerful AI.”
The study, which analyzed 22,000 common workplace tasks, found that up to 70% of these tasks could be significantly altered or rendered obsolete due to AI.
According to the findings, AI is expected to have the greatest impact on organizational, strategic, and analytical tasks. The warning from IPPR comes just ahead of the Paris AI Action Summit, where global leaders, industry professionals, and academics will convene to discuss AI’s future.
UK’s AI Policy Under Scrutiny
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer recently unveiled the UK government’s AI Action Plan, which aims to position the country as a leader in AI innovation while driving economic growth.
The plan emphasizes expanding AI infrastructure, fostering development zones, refining AI safety regulations, and integrating AI into the civil service to enhance efficiency and cut costs.
However, debates over AI’s influence on employment continue to intensify. While some experts warn of large-scale job displacement, others argue that AI is designed to assist workers rather than replace them. Several tech executives maintain that AI’s primary purpose is to streamline workloads, enabling employees to focus on higher-value tasks.
OpenAI recently introduced its first AI agents, autonomous tools capable of executing specific tasks. This advancement has raised expectations that AI agents will substantially impact both professional and everyday life.
Last year, an earlier IPPR report predicted that in a “worst-case scenario,” AI could put as many as eight million UK jobs at risk. The think tank now warns that policymakers need to act swiftly to navigate the economic and social changes AI will bring.
Carsten Jung, head of AI at IPPR, emphasized the urgency of political intervention, stating that AI “capabilities are advancing at breath-taking speed.”
“The launch of ‘AI agents’ shows AI is different from past technologies. It is not merely a tool – it is an actor.”
Carsten Jung
Jung further explained that AI will “transform jobs, destroy old ones, create new ones, trigger the development of new products and services, and allow us to do things we could not do before.” He cautioned that despite its vast potential, AI must be guided towards solving major societal challenges.
“Politics needs to catch up with the implications of powerful AI. Beyond just ensuring AI models are safe, we need to determine what goals we want to achieve.”
Carsten Jung
He called for democratic discussions and close scrutiny of AI deployment, asserting that “the public will want to be involved in setting clear missions and boundaries.”
The report also highlights a growing social shift influenced by AI. Currently, approximately 930,000 individuals in the UK use AI-powered digital companions through apps like Character.AI. The study notes that many users have “relationships” with these AI chatbots, raising concerns about their psychological impact.
While AI companions can provide emotional support, the report warns that they also pose risks, including addiction and long-term mental health effects, particularly among young people. The IPPR urges further research and regulation to understand and mitigate these risks.
As AI continues to evolve, the challenge for governments, businesses, and individuals will be to harness its potential while safeguarding jobs, economic stability, and social well-being.
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