The New York Times · 20 Sep, 05:00 · Artificial Intelligence briefing

Opinion | We’re Not Losing Control of A.I. We’re Giving It Away.

The New York Times reports that society is not merely losing control of artificial intelligence, but actively ceding it.

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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.

The New York Times reports that society is not merely losing control of artificial intelligence, but actively ceding it. The commentary argues that current corporate and governmental practices involve voluntarily handing over decision-making power to algorithmic systems. This shift occurs as organisations prioritise efficiency and scale over human oversight. The piece suggests that this transition is structural, driven by business models that embed AI into core operational workflows. Consequently, the boundary between human judgement and machine output blurs, raising significant questions about accountability and strategic autonomy in the modern workplace.

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 treat AI governance as a core professional competency, not an optional technical add-on. As decision-making power shifts to algorithms, the ability to critically audit these systems becomes invaluable. Professionals who understand the ethical and strategic implications of automated choices will outperform those who simply execute outputs. You should focus on developing skills in regulatory compliance and strategic oversight. Prioritise understanding how AI influences business outcomes rather than just how it functions technically. Leaders who can articulate the risks of ceding control will be essential in navigating this new landscape. Start by reviewing your current workflows to identify where human judgement has been unnecessarily replaced. Build expertise in interpreting AI-driven data to ensure it aligns with broader organisational goals and ethical standards. This proactive approach positions you as a critical thinker in an increasingly automated environment.

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Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

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