Winner Takes All

Category: Social and Cultural Issues

It is arguable that the application of analytics and AI will give some individuals and companies an unbeatable advantage in the marketplace. This concern has been raided by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (Eckersley, et.al., 2017)). They ask, "How can the data-based monopolies of some large corporations, and the 'winner-takes-all' economies associated with them, be addressed? How can data be managed and safeguarded to ensure it contributes to the public good and a well-functioning economy?"

Similarly, the advantage offered by analytics and AI may require that special measures be taken to ensure equitable access to the benefits, and may need to be established as a principle. "The 'access to technology' principle represents statements that the broad availability of AI technology, and the benefits thereof, is a vital element of ethical and rights-respecting AI." (Fjeld, et.al., 2020:61) This is one of the top ethical issues of AI identified by the World Economic Forum. "Individuals who have ownership in AI-driven companies will make all the money…. If we're truly imagining a post-work society, how do we structure a fair post-labour economy?" (Bossman, 2016).

Examples and Articles

Ted Chiang: Fears of Technology Are Fears of Capitalism
"The key point in the excerpt is expressed in the headline. "Itâ€™s not that technology fundamentally is about putting people out of work. Itâ€™s capitalism that wants to reduce costs and reduce costs by laying people off"" Direct Link

When Winners Take All
1 March 201, Bob Bruner. Series of factors that create 'winner takes all' economies. Direct Link

Do you have another example of Winner Takes All? Suggest it here

Force:yes