Geoffrey Hinton, widely known as the “Godfather of AI,” has cautioned that 2026 could become a turning point for global employment as artificial intelligence systems rapidly grow more powerful. Speaking in recent interviews, Hinton said the speed at which AI is advancing has surprised even experts and could lead to large-scale job displacement across multiple sectors within the next year.
Hinton explained that AI tools are no longer limited to handling simple, repetitive tasks. Systems that once completed work taking a few minutes can now manage tasks lasting an hour or more. At this pace, he believes AI could soon take on complex assignments, such as advanced programming, analysis, and problem-solving, that traditionally require months of human effort. As a result, many existing roles could become redundant.
According to Hinton, this technological shift is fundamentally different from earlier industrial changes. Past revolutions mainly reduced the need for physical labour, while creating new types of work. The current AI wave, however, targets cognitive and knowledge-based jobs, including clerical work, customer support, data analysis, and some professional roles. This raises the risk of a “jobless productivity boom,” where companies grow more efficient without increasing their workforce.
The warning has sparked debate among economists and business leaders. Some agree that AI-driven productivity gains could weaken the traditional link between economic growth and job creation. Others argue that while certain jobs will disappear, new roles will emerge, especially in AI development, engineering, oversight, and leadership. Surveys of global CEOs suggest many expect hiring to continue in specialised and entry-level positions, even as job profiles change.
Hinton has also stressed that society is not fully prepared for the scale or speed of this transformation. He believes governments and institutions need to rethink education, reskilling, and social safety nets to help workers adapt. Without timely policy responses, the benefits of AI could be unevenly distributed, widening income inequality and social divides.
While acknowledging AI’s potential to transform healthcare, science, and education positively, Hinton maintains that ignoring its impact on jobs would be a serious mistake. His 2026 warning adds urgency to discussions on how economies and workers should prepare for an AI-driven future.
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