Londoners to get free AI training as mayor warns of threat to jobs

WorldTechnology
16 Jan 2026 • 9:44 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • London Mayor Sadiq Khan has warned that artificial intelligence could become "a weapon of mass destruction of jobs" if its rapid development remains unchecked.
  • Speaking at Mansion House, Sir Sadiq said that AI poses a threat to London's workforce, particularly in key sectors like finance and creative industries.
  • He announced a new taskforce to review AI's impact on jobs and plans to commission free AI training for all Londoners to help them adapt to future skill changes.
  • Sir Sadiq urged political leaders to implement safeguards for new technology, citing the negative consequences of unchecked social media development, such as the youth mental health crisis.
  • The Mayor's warning follows concerns over sexualised deepfake images created using AI, with Downing Street responding by highlighting the government's existing AI skills training initiatives.

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