The New York Times · 18 Sep, 01:12 · Technology briefing

Microsoft and OpenAI Workers Worry About ‘Largest Theft of Labor’ in History

Reports indicate growing concern among Microsoft and OpenAI employees regarding the commercial use of their intellectual labour in training artificial intelligence models.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

Reports indicate growing concern among Microsoft and OpenAI employees regarding the commercial use of their intellectual labour in training artificial intelligence models. Critics describe this practice as potentially constituting the largest theft of labour in history, given the scale of data extraction. The controversy highlights unresolved ethical and legal questions about consent and compensation for creative and technical work that fuels machine learning systems. This development underscores the urgent need for clearer industry standards regarding data ownership and fair remuneration in the rapidly evolving technology sector.

Employer demand for AI Strategy skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

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You must now prioritise understanding the legal and ethical frameworks governing artificial intelligence. As disputes over data ownership intensify, professionals who can navigate compliance and governance will become indispensable. Focus on acquiring skills in regulatory strategy and risk assessment to help organisations mitigate liability. You should also deepen your expertise in AI strategy to align technological adoption with ethical standards. Monitor legislative developments closely, as new regulations will likely reshape how companies utilise data. Position yourself as a bridge between technical teams and legal counsel, ensuring your organisation operates within emerging boundaries. This shift rewards those who can balance innovation with rigorous ethical oversight, making governance skills a critical career differentiator.

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Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
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