Challenging Privatization in Governance by AI: A Caution for the Future of AI Governance

Abstract

Privatization is increasingly driving the uptake of generative artificial intelligence (AI) across various sectors. The drive for AI adoption, whether in the name of innovation or the economy, has dominated mainstream news. However, there is less public awareness of generative AI's devasting impacts on labour and the environment. Whether in self-regulation or government regulation, Big Tech influences the direction of governance of AI, which increasingly is evolving to governance by AI and the automation of jobs. "The future of work is already here," states a 2025 report from Human Rights Watch. "Workers around the world are increasingly hired, compensated, disciplined, and fired by algorithms."