Key facts
- Mercor is a startup training AI for white-collar jobs.
- The company hired 30,000 contractors in the past year.
- A former contractor discussed their experience with the job.
- Mercor's tactics have reportedly led to controversy.
A new gig economy is emerging where individuals are hired to train artificial intelligence systems for sophisticated white-collar roles. Mercor, a startup at the forefront of this trend, reportedly hired 30,000 contractors in the past year to assist AI companies in training their models. Ryan Knutson interviewed a former Mercor contractor about the nature of this work. Additionally, WSJ's Katie Bindley has investigated and outlined the specific tactics employed by Mercor that have led to the company facing criticism and scrutiny.