As the landscape of the American workforce faces disruption from artificial intelligence, Zoltan Istvan, a Democratic candidate for Governor in California, is proposing a bold solution: universal basic income and a humanoid robot in every household.
Istvan’s campaign comes at a time when tech leaders are sounding the alarm about the potential impact of AI on job markets. He believes that the rise of generative AI and humanoid robots could put as much as 50% of all jobs at risk.
In a recent interview with Decrypt, Istvan emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that the public’s understanding of AI has not kept pace with its rapid development. He compared the situation to buying a car, where what hits the market is already outdated by 18 months.
Best known for his 2016 presidential bid under the Transhumanist banner, Istvan has shifted his focus to the Democratic Party in order to remain competitive in California’s political landscape. He is advocating for two key policy goals: implementing universal basic income and providing a humanoid robot to every household in California.
Istvan argues that universal basic income is crucial to prevent societal disruption as automation threatens to displace workers on a large scale. He is less concerned with the method of funding UBI, suggesting options such as taxation, company shares, or a robot tax.
The second part of Istvan’s plan is even more ambitious: providing every California citizen with a humanoid robot. He believes that this will free up time for people to spend with their families, rather than on mundane tasks like chores and cooking.
While Istvan acknowledges the cultural resistance to robots, fueled by dystopian portrayals in films like “The Terminator,” he believes that the benefits of integrating robots into daily life outweigh the fears. However, he also expresses concern about the unchecked development of artificial general intelligence and superintelligence, cautioning against the risks of a potential AI uprising.
In order to address these challenges, Istvan emphasizes the need for international cooperation to establish safeguards for AI development. He envisions California as a testing ground for policies that balance technological advancement with human well-being.
As Istvan navigates a competitive election season in California, he faces formidable opponents like former Vice-President Kamala Harris. Despite the challenges ahead, Istvan remains committed to his vision of a future where AI enhances human lives rather than posing a threat.
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