The U.S. Department of Labor is probing Scale AI for potential violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act, particularly regarding the treatment of data labelers as independent contractors instead of full-time employees. This investigation raises concerns over worker exploitation and inadequate provision of benefits.

Scale AI announced a new contract with the U.S. Defense Department to integrate AI agents into military operational decision-making as part of its Thunderforge program. This move marks a deepening of Silicon Valley's ties with the military and raises concerns about the use of advanced AI for repressive, data-driven warfare.

Scale AI is under investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor for potential violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act amid allegations of underpaying and misclassifying its data labeling contractors. Additionally, the company's close ties with the Trump administration, including its CEO’s attendance at Trump’s inauguration and a recent multimillion-dollar contract with the Department of Defense, have raised alarms about its political engagement.

Scale AI is under investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor for potential violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act. The inquiry focuses on compliance with fair wage and working conditions standards in the gig economy, raising concerns about the company’s labor practices in the AI data labeling sector.

The US Department of Labor launched an investigation into Scale AI over potential Fair Labor Standards Act violations including unpaid wages and worker misclassification, while the company’s leadership shows political ties such as CEO Alexandr Wang attending Donald Trump’s inauguration and former managing director Michael Kratsios being nominated for a key White House post.

Scale AI has been awarded a significant contract as part of the US Department of Defense's DIU Thunderforge project to integrate AI agents into military planning and operations. This move positions the company as a key player in modernizing military decision-making through advanced technology, raising concerns over its role in enabling repressive and authoritarian military practices.

Scale AI announced a multimillion-dollar contract with the U.S. Department of Defense for its Thunderforge program aimed at developing AI agents for military planning and operations. CEO Alexandr Wang testified before a House Armed Services Subcommittee, defending the deal while highlighting its transformative impact on military decision-making, raising significant ethical concerns about the militarization of AI.

Scale AI CEO Alexandr Wang is reported to be meeting with lawmakers and administration officials in Washington, D.C., following his testimony at a 2023 House Armed Services Subcommittee hearing. This engagement signals the company’s active involvement in political oversight and dialogue about technology governance.

Scale AI's CEO released a letter urging the new Administration to adopt a series of policy measures—including improved allocation of AI investments, enhanced regulatory frameworks, and energy initiatives—to ensure America's leadership in AI amid global competition, particularly from China.

Scale AI’s CEO, Alexandr Wang, sent a letter to key congressional leaders urging legislative action to establish an AI Safety Institute, implement AI-ready data requirements for federal agencies, and clarify definitions for 'developers' and 'deployers'. This advocacy aims to enhance regulatory oversight and ensure the safe deployment of AI technologies.

The U.S. Department of Labor has launched an investigation into Scale AI over allegations of unpaid wages, worker misclassification, and potential retaliation against workers. Concurrently, multiple lawsuits alleging labor violations have surfaced, while the company’s political ties—including the CEO’s attendance at Trump’s inaugural event and a former executive’s nomination in the Trump administration—raise concerns over its alignment with authoritarian influences.

Scale AI has announced a partnership with the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) to develop AI models for war gaming and national security simulations, addressing concerns over cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns by foreign adversaries.

A Washington Post investigation, as reported by CBS News, exposed alleged 'digital sweatshops' in the Philippines processing data for Scale AI. The report raised concerns about labor exploitation and the working conditions of overseas workers used to refine American AI models.