French Coalition Calls for Resistance Against AI Dominance

In the lead-up to the AI Action Summit in Paris, a new coalition named Hiatus has emerged in France, rallying civil rights groups and labor unions to oppose the increasing dominance of artificial intelligence (AI) in society. The summit, hosted by President Emmanuel Macron, is set to attract global leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside tech executives from major companies like OpenAI and Google.

The Hiatus coalition aims to challenge the prioritization of technology interests over public policy and to highlight the human and ecological costs associated with AI. Comprising various organizations, including La Quadrature du Net, Attac, Union syndicale Solidaires, and La Ligue des droits de l'Homme, the coalition's founding manifesto criticizes the framing of AI as a revolutionary force in advancement, suggesting that this narrative detracts from the broader social implications.

The coalition points out that the widespread implementation of AI technologies is being propelled by the interests of multinational corporations and the military-industrial complex. They argue that this trend fosters a dependency on technology while pressuring individuals and businesses to adopt AI tools under the guise of efficiency and productivity.

Furthermore, Hiatus emphasizes that the current narrative ignores the significant data and resource accumulation necessary for AI's success, which can exacerbate environmental degradation and social inequalities. The coalition expresses concern about the exploitation of workers involved in AI's development and maintenance, particularly in developing nations, and warns of the potential for increased discrimination based on gender, class, and race.

According to the coalition, the implications of entrusting crucial societal functions to AI--such as those in healthcare and education--could lead to grave social, health, and ethical consequences. They criticize the European Union's approach to AI regulation, claiming that it primarily aims to stimulate a growing market rather than ensuring effective oversight. The coalition contends that the EU's emphasis on geopolitical competitiveness overshadows the need for genuine regulatory frameworks that prioritize societal well-being over corporate profits.

In their declaration, Hiatus describes current AI funding strategies as misguided, arguing that pouring public resources into the AI sector in an attempt to compete with the US and China is illogical. They caution that AI is not the panacea its proponents claim it to be; instead, it may aggravate ecological crises, deepen inequalities, and enhance authoritarian control. The coalition believes that the prevailing paradigm obstructs the development of progressive policies necessary to address environmental challenges.

In response to what they perceive as an imposition of technological determinism, Hiatus is calling for democratic oversight of AI usage and a significant reduction in its applications to safeguard human, social, and environmental rights. They have announced plans for collective actions in the coming months to translate their manifesto into actionable policy.

As the Hiatus coalition mobilizes, industry representatives emphasize the necessity for Germany and Europe to embrace the summit's objectives, advocating for innovation in AI as a means to foster progress.