AI pioneer warns of mass job losses as technology advances rapidly

Artificial intelligence is set to bring sweeping changes to the global job market, with many white-collar roles on the verge of being replaced by automation, according to leading AI expert Geoffrey Hinton. As AI systems become increasingly capable across a wide range of tasks, concerns are mounting over the long-term implications for employment, particularly in administrative and knowledge-based professions.

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Analysts believe that occupations involving routine intellectual tasks—such as legal assistants, call centre workers, and other support roles—are among the most vulnerable. While physical jobs may remain relatively insulated in the short term, industries that rely heavily on information processing are already beginning to see the effects of AI adoption.

Hinton suggests that AI will not only replace workers outright but also restructure the way companies operate. In many cases, a single individual aided by AI tools may soon perform the work previously handled by multiple employees, leading to a sharp reduction in overall workforce requirements. Entry-level positions, particularly those traditionally occupied by recent graduates, appear to be among the first to experience this disruption.

As businesses adopt AI to increase efficiency and cut costs, the threat of job displacement is becoming more immediate. Industry experts now anticipate significant shifts across sectors, raising urgent questions about the future of employment and workforce readiness.

This assessment was shared by Geoffrey Hinton on the "Diary of a CEO" podcast.