IMF Warns AI Could Impact Over 40% of Irish Jobs; Tufts Study Details US Risks
The IMF warns over 40% of Irish jobs could be impacted by AI. A Tufts study projects significant US job losses in writing, programming, and editing within 2-5 years, while healthcare and lower-paid sectors are less affected. China's courts support worker protection against AI displacement, emphasizing AI should improve livelihoods.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned that over 40% of jobs in Ireland could be impacted by AI adoption, either replaced or complemented. While Ireland is moderately prepared (scoring 0.69) and well-placed to benefit, it also faces higher-than-average risk.
A Tufts University study examined 784 occupations, projecting AI's impact over the next two to five years in the US. It found more than half of writers, authors, computer programmers, web designers, and editors are vulnerable. Conversely, many healthcare, construction, and lower-paid roles in hospitality, food service, agriculture, and retail are less affected, leading authors to note, «the safe zone is near the poverty zone.»
Information, finance, and professional services sectors face the highest risk, with 18.3%, 16.5%, and 15.6% of jobs potentially lost, respectively. This translates to over 500,000 jobs in ICT and about one million in finance and insurance at risk. Geographically, Washington, DC, Boulder, and Silicon Valley face the most job losses, while Alaska, Alabama, and Arkansas are least affected.
Goldman Sachs CEO David Soloman acknowledges potential job disruption, predicting AI could automate 25% of work hours within a decade, but remains optimistic about long-term societal benefits. Pope Leo also urged new rules for AI, emphasizing its use for the common good and linking technology decisions to conscience and responsibility. China has shown support for worker protection against AI-driven job displacement, with courts ruling that AI should liberate labor and improve livelihoods, not just reduce staff.