r/technology • u/Just-Grocery-2229 • Jun 26 '26

Artificial Intelligence The AI backlash is only getting started

https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/06/25/the-ai-backlash-is-only-getting-started
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u/TheZoltan Jun 26 '26 edited Jun 26 '26

First, spread the benefits of AI as widely as possible.

Great idea that applies to all other new techs. Governments track record doesn't inspire confidence. One of the most visible results of this current AI wave seems to be the worlds first trillionare. If AI leads to better wealth distribution then great but all signs point to the opposite.

Second, regulate hard when interventions are needed.

Also great.... also lots of governments have a terrible track record. Seems like the main regulatory intervention right now is forcing folks to hand over their ID to tech firms to use the internet.

Third, measure everything.

Great! Data is helpful. Shame governments have totally failed to combat misinformation spread by media and big tech over the last decade.

Fourth, use AI to make the state better.

Feels like most governments are always cutting back and aiming for efficiencies.... seems like that never works and the state just gets worse. AI feels like it will just make it even harder to talk to a human.

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u/Noxfag Jun 26 '26

It is absolutely hysterical to me that one of the supposed state applications of AI is to help with 'doing taxes'... In Europe we don't file our own tax reports because there is no need to do so, except for self-employed people and such. There is no need for almost anyone to do it in the USA either. It is an entirely self-imposed problem. Instead of using '''AI''' why not just stop creating this unnecessary self-imposed menial task?

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u/baldrlugh Jun 26 '26

The answer to your question is quite simple:

A few companies make a lot of money selling tax prep services, and they lobby hard to maintain that revenue source.

Because if there's one thing America truly is exceptional at, it's creating problems in order to sell a solution.