Jamie Dimon, the chief executive of JP Morgan, has warned that the rollout of artificial intelligence may need to be slowed to prevent civil unrest, as the technology could displace millions of workers. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Dimon said that while AI offers huge benefits, including increased productivity and medical breakthroughs, it risks moving too fast for society to adapt.
Dimon argued that governments and businesses must collaborate to retrain workers and phase in AI gradually. He cited the example of 2 million US lorry drivers who could lose high-paying jobs to driverless trucks, potentially leading to unrest if not managed carefully. “If we have to do that to save society … Society will have more production, we are going to cure a lot of cancers, you’re not going to slow it down. How do you have plans in place if it does something terrible?” he said.
In contrast, Jensen Huang, chief executive of Nvidia, argued that AI would create more jobs than it destroys, particularly in infrastructure, construction, and chip manufacturing. He described the AI buildout as “the largest infrastructure buildout in human history” and said it would boost demand for plumbers, electricians, and network technicians. Huang also highlighted AI robotics as a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity for Europe, given its strong industrial base.
Dimon also offered a restrained critique of US President Donald Trump’s policies, urging a more diplomatic approach to Europe and Nato. He expressed concern over immigration enforcement, calling for calm and noting that many migrants play vital roles in the US economy. “We all know them. They are good people and they should be treated that way,” he said.
