Streaming giant Netflix (NFLX) has drawn the ire of striking Hollywood actors and writers after advertising for an artificial intelligence (A.I.) job that pays a salary of $900,000 U.S. per year.
The new A.I. position would be part of Netflix’s Machine Learning Platform team, which drives the algorithm that helps consumers pick movies and TV shows to watch.
Hollywood actors and writers are currently on strike and walking picket lines in Los Angeles and New York over growing fears that A.I. will take jobs away from the entertainment industry.
Reaction to Netflix’s A.I. job posting was swift and harsh. On social media, actors and writers called the job posting “ghoulish” and “soulless.”
The striking actors, who must earn $26,470 U.S. a year before being eligible for health insurance benefits, said the proposed $900,000 U.S. salary being offered by Netflix is outrageous.
The A.I. job listing from Netflix is one of several listed on the Netflix job page that calls for applicants who have experience with machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Another job posting for the Machine Learning Platform team says the future employee will “collect feedback and understand user needs” to help the company make investment decisions.
The union representing actors, SAG-AFTRA, has raised concerns that algorithms have too much power in streaming content.
The writers’ guild, WGA, has proposed a new system that would regulate and limit the use of A.I. in the writing process for movie and TV show scripts.
Earlier in July, Netflix announced the launch of a new app called “My Netflix” that the company says is an easy way for people to choose what they want to watch on the streaming platform.
Netflix’s stock has risen 83% over the last 12 months to trade at $413.17 U.S. a share.
