Protecting Workers from Harmful AI Surveillance

The increasing use of artifcial intelligence (AI) in workplace surveillance poses signifcant risks to workers’ privacy, autonomy, and well-being. Unions play a pivotal role in protecting workers from these harms by
advocating for comprehensive AI transparency and accountability standards in the workplace. These protections should include mandatory disclosures of the use of AI-based surveillance, protection of workers’ personal data, measures to prevent discrimination by AI-based technologies, on-discrimination, conducting assessments of workplace AI, and mechanisms for worker participation and oversight. Implementing these measures is an important step in ensuring that AI technologies in the workplace are used ethically and fairly, protecting workers’ rights and fostering a healthier and safer work environment.

This project was completed as part of the 2024 Science & Technology Fellowship, an Aspen Policy Academy program teaching science and technology experts the skills they need to impact policy.