Introduction: The Human Cost of AI Revolution
From delivery couriers compelled to follow the demanding rhythms of online platform algorithms to content moderators who confront pornography, violence and death on a daily basis while training artificial intelligence systems, the impact of emerging technologies on working conditions has become starkly visible across the globe. A recent webinar organised by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) brought these critical issues to international attention.
"The key issue is not whether AI will transform work; it already is," said Sher Verick, ILO coordinator for digitalisation and AI. "The central issue is how to ensure that this transformation advances decent work and social justice."
The 'Invisible Workforce' Behind AI
Beneath the polished interfaces of chatbots, social media algorithms and automated systems lie two crucial categories of workers who operate in the shadows: content moderators who keep digital platforms safer by reviewing harmful material, and data labelers and annotators who structure reality so machines can learn from it.
During the ILO-ITU webinar, Ben Richards of UNI Global Union provided a sobering account: "When we speak about workers in the data supply chain, we're talking about two main groups. Content moderators that keep platforms safer by reviewing harmful content, and data labelers and annotators who structure the reality so machines can learn."
Extreme Pressure, Low Wages, Mental Health Harms
"Wherever his organization speaks to such workers, he added, they describe similar conditions: extreme pressure, constant monitoring, low wages and mental health harms. The trauma behind the screens is accumulating across the Global South, where many technology companies rely on cost-effective labour for their AI development.
The situation represents a paradox of technological progress: as automation promises to eliminate drudgery, the very workers building these systems often endure the worst aspects of digital capitalism—surveillance, algorithmic control, and psychological harm.
"Artificial intelligence is now being used in systems with real consequences for people's prosperity," said Bilel Jamoussi, Deputy to the Director of the ITU Telecommunication Standardisation Bureau.
UN Secretary-General's Vision for Responsible AI
At the first meeting of the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI, held on Tuesday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the new body's "huge responsibility" in "helping shape the trajectory of artificial intelligence for the benefit of humanity." "Individually, you come from diverse regions and disciplines, bringing outstanding expertise in AI and related fields," the UN chief said. "Collectively, you represent something the world has never seen before."
Making AI 'Trustworthy' Through Standards
Artificial intelligence is now being deployed in systems with profound implications for human lives, from hiring decisions to access to essential services. The challenge lies not just in technical standards, but in how societies and governments choose to apply these technologies responsibly.
Standards and skills development are crucial, but the decisive factor remains societal will to protect workers and foster prosperity. As the AI revolution accelerates in 2026, the world faces an urgent need to ensure that technological advancement serves humanity rather than exploiting its most vulnerable workers.
Conclusion: Decent Work in the Digital Age
The ILO-ITU dialogue marked a crucial step toward addressing the growing divide between technological capability and social protection. The path forward requires not just technical innovation, but a renewed commitment to social justice and decent work standards in an increasingly algorithmic world.