Google Cuts Over 200 AI Contractors Amid Project Changes

• Google has laid off over 200 contractors working on key AI projects like Gemini and AI Overviews.
• The layoffs were sudden and have raised concerns about job security and treatment of contract workers.
• Google says the contractors were employed by subcontractors, not directly by the company.

Google has laid off more than 200 contractors working on its artificial intelligence projects, including the Gemini chatbot and AI Overviews feature. These layoffs, carried out in at least two rounds last month, came with little warning and have raised concerns about job security and fair treatment. Many affected workers were involved in refining AI responses to make them more accurate and natural.

The contractors, often highly educated with master’s degrees and PhDs, are part of a group known as ‘super raters’. Their job was critical to improving Google’s AI tools by providing essential feedback and fine tuning AI generated content. One contractor, Andrew Lauzon, shared his experience of being suddenly cut off without clear explanation, highlighting the uncertainty many face. Another rater, Alex, described their role as vital, likening themselves to ‘lifeguards’ who ensure the AI performs safely and effectively.

Google has clarified that these contractors are not directly employed by the company but by subcontractors like GlobalLogic. A Google spokesperson emphasized that GlobalLogic and similar firms are responsible for employment decisions, distancing Google from the layoffs.

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This move comes as Google continues to invest heavily in AI, competing with rivals like OpenAI and Microsoft. The layoffs have sparked discussions about the treatment of contract workers and the stability of jobs in the fast evolving tech industry.