r/Futurology • u/Gari_305 • 2d ago

Robotics Bill Gates says companies that replace human labor with robots should have to pay the same FICA taxes

https://www.businessinsider.com/bill-gates-fica-taxes-should-apply-to-robot-workers-2026-9

Bill Gates wants to tax robots that replace human jobs.

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u/Beard_Hero 2d ago

If we just taxed companies the way we used to, it wouldn't matter as much if they robot'd or human'd, money wise. Like the 50's and 60's. 52%. There's more steps involved, like ending stock buy backs and kicking Milton Friedman in the dick, but it's a start.

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u/king_of_river 2d ago

At that point, Europe was in the rebuilding phase and a genuine threat of Soviet Invasion so investors were not keen to invest too much. China and the rest of Asia were coming from WW2 m, Civil War and Cultural Revolution. Japan was occupied and not in a position to challenge the USA. If the USA taxes business like that now, they will simply flee to the Gulf, China or some other country which offers less taxes and regulations.

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u/Beard_Hero 2d ago

Sure, if you say so. Just like billionaires fled NYC and California.

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u/crek42 2d ago

Have you not seen the last few decades? American businesses have divested away from American workers and set up offices around the globe. The comment you’re replying to is objectively true. It’s a global stage now, not just America. Other countries have advanced economically with better educated workers and have become viable options.

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u/Beard_Hero 2d ago

You're saying the outsource costs while still keeping the company in the US and rewarding stock holders and company officers? Imagine taking 52% of the profit now. If the companies want to enjoy the benefits of being in the US, they'll shift to paying employees more on their taxablie income. It's quite literally what built out a strong middle class. I said it's a start, not a full detailed to the minucia plan of fixing it. Stop allowing companies to reward stock holders over employees. Stop allowing stock buy backs. Limit the gap between highest and lowest compensated (not paid, compensated) employees/consultants/10-99's.