TLDR
- Hinton stated that AI improvements will sharply reduce workforce needs, especially in engineering, clerical, and support roles.
- Reports show 1.9M jobs lost in the U.S., 1.2M in China, and 650K in India due to AI adoption in 2025.
- Amazon cut tens of thousands of jobs; IBM moved HR tasks to AI; Microsoft adjusted roles to integrate automation.
- Data shows 95% of generative AI pilot programs failed to deliver lasting value or profitability in 2025.
- Forecasts predict massive churn with more automation ahead, but also the emergence of new roles needing updated skills.
Artificial intelligence may displace millions of workers, according to Geoffrey Hinton, a pioneer in neural network research. Known as the “Godfather of AI,” Hinton warned that recent job disruptions mark only the beginning. He stated that AI’s rapid progress will continue to reshape global employment across multiple industries.
Hinton Cites Advanced AI Capabilities and Early Job Impact
A report by Palki Sharma on First Post confirms that Hinton stated AI can already handle complex tasks, such as 60-minute software jobs, and will soon be able to complete full software projects. This evolution, he argued, means fewer workers will be needed to perform the same volume of tasks. “If you needed ten engineers, now you only need two,” Hinton stated during a recent appearance.
AI systems are improving quickly and replacing roles in call centers and clerical departments. Hinton warned that the industry is just starting to see these impacts. He added that job losses will rise as AI capabilities grow stronger in 2026.
In 2025, companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and IBM integrated AI into workforce operations. Amazon reduced tens of thousands of roles. IBM reassigned HR work to AI tools. Microsoft also adjusted staffing linked to AI changes.
Job Losses and Estimates Across Regions
Reports indicate 1.9 million people in the U.S. lost jobs due to AI adoption. In China, the figure reached 1.2 million. India saw 650,000 IT service jobs disappear. Combined estimates suggest around five million jobs will be affected globally.
Hinton stated that the number could rise drastically by 2026. Forecasts suggest AI may displace 75 million jobs globally in the coming years. At the same time, it could create 133 million new positions requiring advanced skills. Swedish fintech firm Klarna laid off 700 workers to adopt AI solutions. However, it reversed some changes after productivity issues arose. The firm has since rehired workers to restore output levels.
Despite the layoffs in many sectors, research shows 95 percent of generative AI pilot projects failed in 2025. Only five percent showed positive returns or long-term adoption. These projects still struggled to deliver revenue. While some jobs remain protected due to human empathy or creativity, AI tools continue expanding into more industries. Roles in support services and technical operations remain at higher risk, as the speed of AI advancement raises questions for 2026 workforce planning.
State of Artificial Intelligence: 2025 Findings
According to a global survey done by McKinsey and Company last year, it was revealed that most organizations remain early in their artificial intelligence journey. Nearly two-thirds of respondents said they have not yet scaled AI enterprise-wide. However, 62% reported their companies are experimenting with AI agents.
Respondents highlighted early positive outcomes. About 64% said AI is helping drive innovation, with reported benefits in cost and revenue at the use-case level. Still, only 39% reported any EBIT-level impact across their entire organizations.
80% of companies aim for efficiency through AI, though high performers also focus on innovation and growth. Half of those top performers plan to use artificial intelligence to transform operations, with workflow redesign emerging as a key strategy. Workforce impact expectations differ. 32% expect job reductions, while 43% foresee no change, and 13% predict hiring increases.
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