A majority of Americans hold a pessimistic outlook on the influence of artificial intelligence in news and journalism, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in summer 2024. The survey finds that about half of U.S. adults (50 percent) expect AI to worsen the quality of news over the next 20 years, while only 10 percent anticipate a positive effect. Concerns about employment in journalism are also widespread. According to the survey, 59 percent fear that AI will result in fewer jobs for journalists, compared to just 5 percent who expect an increase in positions. Worries about misinformation generated by AI are pronounced. Sixty-six percent of respondents say they are very concerned about false information produced by artificial intelligence. These concerns are shared across political lines, with both Republicans and Democrats expressing similar skepticism. The survey also finds that Americans with higher levels of education are, on average, more pessimistic about AI’s effects.
About 300 Google DeepMind employees in London are seeking to join the Communication Workers Union (CWU), reports the Financial Times. The workers want to challenge Google's decision to sell AI technology to defense groups and maintain ties with the Israeli government through Project Nimbus. The move comes after Google went back on its February promise not to develop AI for weapons or surveillance. Workers are worried their work could be used in the Gaza conflict, according to an engineer who spoke to the FT. Five employees have already quit over these concerns. A letter to management in May failed to address the issues. The CWU says the workers' main concerns are ethical, not financial. If the union is recognized, it could lead to management talks or potential strikes.