New York Times allegedly used AI to spy on – Business News
Unionized New York Times staff have taken legal motion in opposition to the publication, claiming it makes use of artificial intelligence to “surveil and monitor” them.
Staffers within the New York Times Guild and the separate Times Tech Guild filed two grievances and an unfair labor apply charge in opposition to the Gray Lady, claiming the outlet is deploying AI to spy on staff in a “violation of their collective bargaining agreement.”
“Using AI to surveil our work violates our contract and creates a skewed, inaccurate picture of our members’ work,” mentioned Benjamin Harnett, chair of the Tech Guild’s generative AI committee and a workers software program engineer on the Times.
Unionized staff have taken legal motion in opposition to the New York Times, claiming the publication makes use of artificial intelligence to “surveil and monitor” them. REUTERS
“Our work takes human judgment, problem-solving and skill that can’t be accurately assessed by AI analysis and proxy metrics. It’s the equivalent of setting an arbitrary story quota for journalists,” he added.
According to the unions, Times management has “regularly refused to present data to the Tech Guild on the company’s use of AI, regardless of being required by federal law to present data that relates to both bargaining or contract enforcement. “
The Times allegedly refused to reply to three requests for data from the guilds.
“We disagree with the characterizations made in the grievance and will respond as part of our normal contractual process,” a spokeswoman for paper advised The Post. “Likewise, we will respond to this Request for Information (RFI) in due course as we’ve done with 80+ other RFIs from the Guild in recent years.”
The unions mentioned their first request for data was despatched practically two months in the past, on March 26, adopted by requests on April 22 and a closing discover on May 6.
They’re looking for data on the company’s present and previous use of AI, in addition to deliberate and contemplated use of the tech and its influence on staff and workflow, the unions mentioned.
Members of the New York Times Guild gathered for a rally exterior the New York Times building on May 20. Getty Images
Guild members known as for stronger artificial intelligence protections and inexpensive health care during a rally on May 20. Getty Images
The blowup comes because the Times Guild, which represents more than 1,500 editorial, advert gross sales and assist workers, is bargaining for a new contract. Guild members gathered final week in entrance of the New York Times building in Midtown Manhattan, calling for stronger artificial intelligence protections and inexpensive health care.
On behalf of the Times Guild, the NewsGuild of New York filed a separate unfair labor apply charge.
“Workers everywhere are under attack from the unethical use of artificial programs by bosses,” mentioned NewsGuild of New York president Susan DeCarava.
“Sadly, New York Times management has proven themselves to be no different, rejecting both transparency and accountability for how artificial programs are being used against the very workers who help make the company successful.”
