Summary: The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has ruled that both Disney and Apple must include shareholder proposals seeking transparency on their use of artificial intelligence (AI) in their upcoming annual proxy statements. The AFL-CIO Equity Index Funds are requesting that Disney and Apple prepare and publicly disclose reports on their AI usage, including the ethical guidelines they have adopted in relation to AI technology. The union argues that the dehumanization of the American workforce through AI poses a threat to the economy and the middle class. The SEC’s decision means that shareholders will have the opportunity to vote on whether they want a report on AI.
The impact of artificial intelligence on businesses has become a matter of concern for shareholders, as evident in the recent developments surrounding Disney and Apple. The AFL-CIO Equity Index Funds, representing various unions including the WGA East and the Communications Workers of America, are demanding transparency from these companies about their use of AI technology.
Disney and Apple initially attempted to exclude the proposals from their annual proxy statements, arguing that it falls within their ordinary business matters. However, the SEC disagreed, stating that the requests transcend regular operational issues and do not aim to micromanage the companies.
Considering the potential consequences of AI on the workforce, the AFL-CIO is pushing for greater accountability from these corporate giants. The proposed transparency reports would shed light on how AI is integrated into Disney and Apple’s operations, as well as the boards’ oversight of AI usage. Additionally, the reports would disclose any ethical guidelines the companies have adopted regarding AI technology.
The SEC’s ruling now means that the shareholder proposals will be included in Disney and Apple’s upcoming proxy statements. Shareholders will have the opportunity to vote on whether they support the idea of these reports, allowing for greater transparency and accountability in terms of AI use.
Not only are Disney and Apple facing these demands, but the AFL-CIO also aims to expand its efforts to other companies such as Warner Bros. Discovery, Comcast, and Netflix. The union argues that the increasing presence of AI poses a threat to the economy and the existing middle class, warranting a systematic examination of its use in various industries.
AI has emerged as a contentious labor issue in the entertainment industry, with the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA highlighting it during recent strikes. It has become crucial for companies to address concerns surrounding AI, ensuring that its implementation is both ethical and accountable to protect the livelihoods and interests of workers.
The source of the article is from the blog foodnext.nl