Humans in the Loop (film)

Humans in the Loop is a 2022 documentary film directed by Andreas Koefoed. The film explores the ethical and societal implications of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, focusing on the often-invisible human labor that powers these technologies.

The documentary highlights the work of individuals in the Global South who perform tasks such as data labeling, content moderation, and image recognition to train and refine AI algorithms. These workers often face precarious working conditions, low pay, and potential psychological distress due to exposure to harmful content.

Humans in the Loop raises questions about the transparency and accountability of AI development, challenging the notion that AI is purely automated or unbiased. It argues that AI systems are inherently reliant on human input, and that the exploitation of this labor needs to be addressed to ensure ethical and sustainable AI practices. The film also delves into the implications of AI for labor markets and the future of work, prompting reflection on the distribution of benefits and burdens associated with technological advancements. It aims to shed light on the hidden workforce behind AI and to initiate conversations about the need for fair labor standards and ethical considerations in the development and deployment of AI technologies.