Washington, D.C. — June 22, 2025 — RegulatingAI, a non-profit initiative of Knowledge Networks focused on ethical AI governance, is calling for immediate policy attention following public warnings by Bill Gates and former President Barack Obama that unchecked AI advancement could lead to mass unemployment. The organization underscores the need for governments and industry leaders to act now to ensure AI deployment is accompanied by robust workforce protections.

AI’s Economic Disruption Is No Longer Theoretical

Recent statements from both Gates and Obama highlight the growing concern that AI—particularly in white-collar professions—is accelerating faster than society’s ability to adapt. They warn of large-scale displacement across sectors like healthcare, education, customer service, and even software engineering. RegulatingAI believes these concerns demand more than commentary—they require coordinated, cross-sector policy responses.

Sanjay Puri: “This Is an Economic Turning Point, This is not just a technology moment—it’s an economic turning point,” said Sanjay Puri, Founder & Chairman of RegulatingAI. “We need to shift the conversation from whether AI will displace jobs to how we protect and re-skill the workforce now. Governments must act with the same urgency they would for any systemic threat to stability.”

RegulatingAI’s Key Policy Recommendations

In response to the growing risk of AI-driven job loss, RegulatingAI is urging the adoption of forward-looking governance strategies, including:

• Mandatory workforce impact assessments prior to the public deployment of high-impact AI systems

• Investment in upskilling and reskilling programs that are accessible, AI-literate, and inclusive

• Public-private workforce transition funds, including potential levies on automation-intensive sectors

• Ethical deployment standards that include human-centered design and long-term economic sustainability

These recommendations are designed to align innovation with social responsibility, ensuring the benefits of AI are widely distributed rather than concentrated.

A Call to Action, Not Alarm

While the warnings from Gates and Obama are sobering, RegulatingAI views them as a necessary catalyst for change. “AI can enhance human capability and unlock new industries—but only if we’re deliberate about how we govern its impact,” added Puri. “We don’t have the luxury of time. Policy must catch up with the pace of innovation.”

About RegulatingAI
RegulatingAI, an initiative of Knowledge Networks, is a non-profit organization focused on promoting ethical AI governance. We empower regulators, industry leaders, and advocacy groups with the knowledge and tools necessary to shape the future of AI technologies, ensuring they are developed with trust and transparency.

For media inquiries and further information, please contact: 📧 upasana@regulatingai.org | upasana@knowledgenetworks.org