Artificial intelligence (AI) is a set of computer systems capable of performing tasks that normally require human intelligence. These include learning, reasoning, perception, and problem-solving.
AI systems simulate these capabilities in computers. To process data, AI relies on deep automatic learning to create algorithms (the steps necessary to solve a problem).
Therefore, we should be clear that AI is based on data. Without data, it is nothing.
“Artificial intelligence consumes a lot of resources, particularly water. It also causes unemployment, makes work environments more precarious, and strengthens the bosses’ control over us,” said a comrade during a meeting of the International Communist Workers’ Party.
Under capitalism, AI’s function is to increase the exploitation of workers. To do this, AI takes over the collective intelligence of labor. Or, rather, organizes that intelligence in the form of a class monopoly. This undermines the skills of each individual’s job. It reduces the worker to a small cog in a gigantic, more automated, and autonomous machine. It robs the worker of intelligence. It subdues them so they can focus solely on work, diminishing their capacities for resistance.
“Another risk of AI is the construction of nuclear power plants due to their high energy requirements. It increases the risk of a nuclear accident, since new plants are under the control of tech giants,” thought a young healthcare worker while listening to the virtual discussion.
This was an important point in the discussion about the environmental impact of AI. AI systems can consume up to 433 MWh of electricity when analyzing and storing data, enough to power forty homes for a year.
According to studies, AI data centers are responsible for up to 1% of greenhouse gas emissions. Their growth and demand use carbon and natural gas as energy sources. To meet their energy needs, large capitalist corporations invest in the construction of nuclear reactors for private use, without considering the risks of radioactive waste management and nuclear accidents.
A worker in the United States pointed out some advantages of AI. “The use of artificial intelligence can help us analyze a greater amount of information to facilitate our communist work.”
“Artificial intelligence is like another tool that can help us with various tasks when we live in a future communist system. For example, the use of drones in high-rise building fires, climate predictions, and the analysis of large amounts of data whose synthesis and conclusions are determined by human reasoning. Furthermore, it is being used to develop and evaluate programs to combat desertification in China,” explained another comrade.
A health worker added, “With the triumph of communism, AI as a tool can help the human species travel through space and perform very complex and minimally invasive medical procedures (robotic surgery and the use of nanobots). Increased labor efficiency and reduced working hours would allow workers to use their time for recreation, culture, spirituality, leisure, and physical exercise.”
We must continue this discussion and look at all sides of the question. Practical and theoretical work, the study of communist dialectics, and the mass dissemination of communism through Red Flag will be the process that will give rise to the workers’ revolution. During this process, we must utilize all the tools and means at our disposal that will aid in the revolutionary effort.
—Comrade in El Salvador