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The hidden human labour powering AI: Introducing the Fairwork Action Research Project
Hybrid
Artificial intelligence is often seen as a mirror of human intelligence, an attempt to replicate the processes that occur within a human mind. However, a different perspective is presented in the book Feeding the Machine, co-authored by Prof Mark Graham.
AI is described as an “extraction machine.” When users interact with AI products, they typically only see the surface and the outputs it generates. In reality, the extraction machine absorbs vital inputs—capital, power, natural resources, human labour, data, and collective intelligence—and transforms them into statistical predictions, which AI companies convert into profits. This process requires control over material infrastructure, workers, and knowledge.
The talk introduces the Fairwork project, an action research methodology designed to hold companies within the AI production network accountable. It examines how the Fairwork methodology has successfully functioned in the gig economy, having scored nearly 700 companies to date. Fairwork works with platforms to encourage pro-worker changes to policies and practices. Guided by the Fairwork Principles, companies improve conditions for workers and develop safer, fairer businesses. As a result of Fairwork’s engagement, 64 companies have agreed to implement 300 pro-worker changes, covering all five Fairwork Principles. These changes include ensuring minimum or living wages, GDPR-compliant data management, sickness insurance, contracts aligned with local legislation, anti-discrimination policies, the election of workers’ representatives, and collaboration with local workers’ associations.
The talk further explores how this methodology will be extended to AI supply chains to compel companies to act more responsibly.
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Speaker bio: Mark Graham is the Professor of Internet Geography at Oxford University. He is also the Director of Fairwork. This initiative has actively pushed companies to implement worker-friendly policies, impacting millions of jobs. His latest book, “Feeding the Machine,” delves into the human labour behind the development of Artificial Intelligence.
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Booking is required for people outside of the Department of Social Policy and Intervention (DSPI). DSPI Members do not need to register.
Date:
16 October 2025, 16:00
Venue:
32-42 Wellington Square (Barnett House), 32-42 Wellington Square OX1 2ER
Venue Details:
VBR Department of Social Policy and Intervention, 32 Wellington Square OX1 2ER/ Microsoft Teams
Speaker:
Prof Mark Graham (University of Oxford)
Organising department:
Department of Social Policy and Intervention
Organiser:
Dr Amiya Bhatia (University of Oxford)
Organiser contact email address:
communications@spi.ox.ac.uk
Part of:
DSPI Michaelmas Term Seminar Series 2025
Booking required?:
Required
Booking url:
https://forms.office.com/e/L0KMy74kLA
Cost:
Free
Audience:
Public
Editors:
Faith Inch,
Rachel Fisher
