(ATLANTA, GA)- Multiple organizations in Atlanta are taking a stand against automation, artificial intelligence, surveillance technologies and data centers.
Photo Credit: Atlanta Rideshare Drivers Union Facebook
Organizations include the Atlanta Rideshare Drivers Union (ATLRDU), the Atlanta Chapter of the Southern Workers Assembly (SWA), in partnership with Georgia Voices United, Indivisible ATL, Mosaic, Play Fair ATL, Atlanta DSA, and the campaign of Gabriel Sanchez for Georgia HD 42.
The protest named “Rally for the People’s Future” will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. on July 9. Thursday’s venue is Historic Fourth Ward Park on Ralph McGill Blvd. and Garden Park Drive.
“We thought it would be a great idea to work together and create an action under the AI umbrella because there are a lot of intersections and overlap between these issues,” Liza Ramsey, organizer with the Atlanta Rideshare Union, said. “This is not just a single action; it is the start of The People's Future Coalition, where we defend human work and put people over profits.”
“It will include a march and a concluding rally to share information, circulate a petition to regulate Waymo vehicles, and make connections between community members affected by AI-driven changes,” the press release states.
Ramsey told OpGov. News one of the reasons the protest started was to combat issues with Waymo driverless cars.
Photo Credit: Atlanta Magazine
“We were frustrated about so many driverless cars flooding the streets of Atlanta for the past year,” Ramsey said. “Uber essentially added robotaxis on the app to compete for rides with human drivers, but they framed it as a cool new option for riders to try.”
Waymos have created issues for drivers in Atlanta. The cars would stop in the middle of the road and disrupt traffic, causing discontent for drivers.
Last month, CBS Evening News reported 40-50 Waymos were stalled in an Atlanta neighborhood.
Ramsey said data centers pose environmental issues.
“Data centers consume enormous amounts of electricity and water, so there are concerns around rising energy costs for residents,” Ramsey said. “ There is an environmental impact in the form of electronic waste and greenhouse gas emissions. There are also concerns around infrastructure, zoning and noise levels.”
Artificial intelligence(AI) is prominent in today’s society and continues to evolve. Ramsey spoke about the pros and cons of AI with OpGov.News.
“AI has had a major impact on everything from how we structure our days to how we communicate to how much access to information we have and so many details of our lives,” Ramsey said. “Overall, a lot has improved, but there have been downsides, like fake news spreading easily, security risks, concentration of power, environmental impact, job displacement, privacy concerns, etc.”
Once the march concludes, Swarm ATL will gather at 6 p.m. on 55 Trinity Ave. to take a stand against data centers. Swarm ATL will try to convince the Atlanta Zoning Review Board to stop approving data center projects.
“We are encouraging people to attend the SWARM action at Atlanta City Hall because we recognize the intersection of struggle, and this is a direct way people can make their opposition known to policy decision makers locally,” Ramsey said.
Director of PlayFair ATL, Michael Collins, is passionate about the protest, telling OpGov.News corporations need to be held accountable for their actions.
“Atlanta’s future should be shaped by workers and communities, instead of being decided behind closed doors by corporations rolling out new technology without accountability,” Collins said. “Play Fair ATL was created around the World Cup to ensure major changes coming to our city create shared benefits, protect workers, and put people first. Whether it is mega-events, automation, surveillance, or new technologies, the question should always be: who benefits, who is protected, and who has a voice? We stand with workers calling for a future where innovation strengthens communities instead of leaving them behind.”
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact jorden.h@lead4earth.org.
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