Kratsios Says 17 Companies Miscast Layoffs as AI-Driven to Lift PR
Updated
Updated · Yahoo! Voices · Aug 6
Kratsios Says 17 Companies Miscast Layoffs as AI-Driven to Lift PR
2 articles · Updated · Yahoo! Voices · Aug 6
Summary
Michael Kratsios said some companies are pinning layoffs on AI even when the cuts would have happened anyway, arguing the explanation "plays better in the press" and can support share prices.
Seventeen companies tracked by Business Insider — including Uber, Snap and Block — have cited AI in layoff decisions, even as some economists dispute the idea that AI is already driving mass job losses.
Kratsios drew a line between what OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has called "AI washing" and genuine automation-related displacement, while saying he remains optimistic about AI's long-term effect on employment.
Polls showing deep public concern about AI job losses reflect a broader backlash, Kratsios said, blaming repeated warnings from politicians and industry figures about layoffs, danger and biosecurity risks.