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In Madagascar, far from the technological prowess touted by the artificial intelligence industry, lies a much less rosy reality: the difficult daily life of invisible workers that power these systems. These annotators, often overqualified, struggle to earn a decent income from their work, described by some as a form ofmodern slavery. By taking care of repetitive and meticulous tasks such as comparing images, they allow the algorithms to improve, while receiving derisory remuneration. Here, the promise of prolific artificial intelligence in the West contrasts violently with the precarious conditions of those who silently develop it.
As artificial intelligence transforms the global technology landscape, it relies largely on the work of thousands of invisible people. In Madagascar, workers, despite their often superior skills, find themselves in difficult working conditions to power AI algorithms. Earning little for demanding work, these annotators are experimenting with a modern form of exploitation that highlights the economic and social disparities in the sector.
The dusty streets of Antananarivo: an everyday scene
In the suburbs of Antananarivo, ocher dust covers the cobblestones of the bumpy streets. An air of dilapidation reigns over the place, where we can come across Rija, a 37-year-old Malagasy man, welcoming us into his modest home. His life is punctuated by the austere daily life of a data annotator for an Amazon platform.
A demanding job for a pittance
Rija spends his days and nights comparing photos of fashion items to confirm they are identical. Each successful click earns him 6 cents. Online retailers rely on this data to offer accurate recommendations to consumers. Unfortunately, these cumulative micro-tasks earn Rija a meager salary, often barely enough to ensure a minimum of dignity.
The Human Cost of Data Annotation
Despite having a degree in management, Rija and others like him found refuge in annotation after suffering the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the job market. While he considers his work a form of modern-day slavery, he nevertheless appreciates being able to cover his essential expenses, even though the conditions remain harsh.A paltry salary for micro-workersWith this work, Rija can sometimes earn as much as 250 euros a month, five times more than the minimum wage in Madagascar. Yet the daily challenges remain complex. Inadequate pay and stressful working conditions place immense pressure on these workers, who struggle to make ends meet despite a considerable workload.
Malagasy companies face the challenge of artificial intelligence
In the capital, companies like Arkeup offer slightly better conditions to their employees, with slightly higher benefits and wages. However, the majority of companies operating in this sector in Madagascar remain below international standards.
Hope for a better future for skilled workers
For workers like Tojo, the prospect of relocating their expertise abroad remains an elusive dream due to visa difficulties. The gap between qualifications and available jobs underscores the urgent need for initiatives that truly value local skills.
To read Personal Computer : Découvrez « Claude Cowork » de Perplexity, désormais ouvert à tous
Conclusion: A Necessary Overhaul of Practices in the AI Sector
As artificial intelligence continues to grow, the call for an ethical reform of its foundations appears imperative. The recognition and fair compensation of invisible workers remains essential to ensure a sustainable industry that respects its invisible hands.
