Senator Bernie Sanders Criticizes Tech Giants Over AI Push
Senator Bernie Sanders, a well-known politician from Vermont, has strongly criticized the tech industry’s push into artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. He warned that these technologies could lead to “massive” job losses across both blue-collar and white-collar sectors.
In a post on X, Sanders named several tech leaders. He mentioned Elon Musk of Tesla, Mark Zuckerberg of Meta, Sam Altman of OpenAI, and Larry Ellison of Oracle. He said the richest people are putting billions into AI.
But this money is not meant to help everyday life. Instead, Sanders said, they want to make huge fortunes. They also want to gain even more power.
Sanders highlighted that while new factories and warehouses may be built in the U.S., these sites will largely be staffed by robots instead of human workers. He also pointed to the threat posed by driverless vehicles and AI-driven automation, which could eliminate jobs for drivers and entry-level workers.
Concerns Over AI Datacenters and Environmental Impact
The Senator also expressed worries about the environmental effects of AI technology. AI datacenters, which are essential for running large-scale artificial intelligence systems, consume huge amounts of electricity and water. Sanders said that this puts a strain on local power grids and can contribute to water shortages.
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Recently, xAI’s datacenter in Memphis, which hosts the Colossus I Supercomputer, has come under scrutiny. Rights groups have accused the datacenter of causing environmental harm and disproportionately affecting African American communities in the area.
Meanwhile, OpenAI has announced a massive $850 billion expansion plan. Experts say this infrastructure would require as much energy as 13 million American homes and nine Hoover Dams to operate. The project involves collaborations with Oracle, NVIDIA, and Japan’s SoftBank under a venture called Project Stargate.
Tech Investments and Robotics Expansion
Several major tech deals and initiatives highlight why billionaires like Musk and Zuckerberg are heavily investing in AI and robotics. Nvidia, a leading chipmaker, recently announced a $5 billion investment in Intel. The deal gives Nvidia a 5% stake in Intel and involves collaboration on custom chips for multiple applications.
Tesla, under Musk’s leadership, is focusing heavily on AI and robotics. The company’s Master Plan IV details how Tesla aims to make AI and its Optimus robot line a major part of its future business. Musk has indicated that robots could represent up to 80% of Tesla’s future value.
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Sanders’ comments reflect a growing debate about the rapid expansion of AI and automation. While these technologies promise efficiency and innovation, critics warn that they could significantly disrupt the job market and strain local resources.
The Senator emphasized that technological advancement should benefit ordinary Americans, not just a handful of the wealthiest people in the world.
