San Francisco tech workers protest rapid AI development

In the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley, growing collectives of activists and tech workers are organizing protests to oppose the rapid development of artificial intelligence. Demonstrators are raising alarms regarding the potential for AI to threaten human employment and pose existential risks to humanity.

During protests held throughout July, including demonstrations in front of the AI company Anthropic, participants highlighted concerns over the lack of control as AI technology gains power. Some former tech employees, such as copywriter Hunter Glenn, have reported feeling replaced by AI tools following their layoffs, contributing to the movement's focus on the risks of human substitution.