Philippine Taskers in Digital Sweatshops Fuel AI Progress But Face Bleak Prospects
-
Taskers in developing countries like the Philippines are doing obscure, low-paid work like labeling data to help develop AI systems. Companies like Scale AI manage these digital "sweatshops".
-
Hundreds of thousands of taskers earn as little as $7.50 per day, with unreliable work and payment. Many work long hours and struggle financially.
-
The rise of AI chatbots is driving huge demand for taskers. But the poor labor conditions threaten the quality of data needed to improve AI.
-
Experts say local governments have neglected their workforce by allowing online platforms to take over. Tech companies also lack accountability for workers who enable their AI progress.
-
Taskers worry for their future if current trends continue. The volatility leaves them barely getting by, with loans as their only lifeline when tasks disappear.