Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and Democracy

#1765 AI Capitalism Will Not Deliver an AI Utopia

8 snips
Jan 17, 2026
This discussion dives into the risks of AI under capitalism, highlighting how rapid profit motives can sideline safety. It critiques OpenAI's billionaire backing and the unsustainable energy demands of AI. The conversation reveals the rise of deepfakes, especially their disproportionate impact on women. It also questions the true economic value delivered by current AI technologies. With a focus on surveillance capitalism, the show warns that data monetization may overshadow genuine technological advancement.
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ANECDOTE

Promise Of Nonprofit Turned Profit

  • Speakers recalled OpenAI's early nonprofit promise dissolving into profit-first behavior.
  • That trajectory culminated in pivots like Worldcoin and erotica as monetization tactics.
INSIGHT

Deepfakes Became Cheap And Ubiquitous

  • Photorealistic deepfakes are now cheap, easy, and widely available, so bans alone won't stop them.
  • Permissive company policies plus accessible tools make deepfakes a growing, persistent threat.
ADVICE

Act Quickly Against Deepfake Abuse

  • If you see potential deepfake abuse, document and use legal takedown avenues like the Take It Down Act quickly.
  • Expect mixed platform responses and consider civil suits against tool providers when appropriate.
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