AI's "hidden labour" and the move toward a linkless internet

11/04/2025 28 min
AI's "hidden labour" and the move toward a linkless internet

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Episode Synopsis


Artificial intelligence, it turns out, has a heavy human backend — they're called "data labellers"; they mostly live in developing countries, and there are ethical questions about their pay and work conditions. So, why aren't we talking more about them? Also, Google and other search companies have begun replacing hyperlinks with AI summaries. It's a move seemingly in line with our AI obsessed times, but what will it do to the tapestry of the internet? And will it simply make online information even harder to verify?GuestsDr Zena Assaad — Senior lecturer, School of Engineering, Australian National UniversityProfessor Toby Walsh — Laureate Fellow and Scientia Professor of Artificial Intelligence, University of New South WalesDr Collin Jennings — writer and academicFurther informationCollin Jennings' article: A linkless internet