Is “data poisoning” a new form of civil disobedience in the face of rampant AI?

The explosion of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has raised both hopes and fears about the potential benefits and drawbacks of this technology. In advanced economies, people are almost equally concerned and optimistic about this.

This is perhaps not surprising. AI consumes enormous amounts of natural resources and still promises to save the planet. It can improve people’s efficiency and productivity while putting millions of people out of work.

For many employees, the use of AI no longer seems to be optional. The message is clear: get in or stay behind.

Amid this uncertainty and rapid technological advancement, concerned citizens have made efforts to oppose AI. One form of AI resistance aimed at sabotaging the functionality of large AI language models is data poisoning. But how accessible is it to the average person? And what is at stake when using it?

What is AI resistance?

Acts of AI resistance range from social sanctions and boycotts to strikes, protests and public outcry…