OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently cautioned that numerous companies are engaging in a practice known as “AI washing,” where they falsely attribute layoffs to artificial intelligence. This trend raises concerns about transparency and accountability in the tech industry.
In a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research, nearly 90% of surveyed executives reported that AI had no impact on workplace employment over the past three years. Despite this, Snap CEO Evan Spiegel announced in April that his company would lay off about 1,000 staff members, or roughly 16% of its workforce, citing AI as a reason.
As AI continues to evolve, many employers are considering similar actions. According to the 2025 World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report, around 40% of employers expect to follow Snap’s lead in reducing staff due to AI. However, experts like Martha Gimbel from the Yale Budget Lab assert that there are currently no significant macroeconomic effects from AI on labor.
Key statistics:
- 50%: Percentage of entry-level office jobs potentially wiped out by AI according to Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei.
- 181,000: Revised job gains reported last week despite GDP tracking up 3.7%.
- 92%: Percentage of S&P 500 market value expected to be comprised of intangible assets, including AI systems, by 2025.
AI washing is defined as making false or exaggerated claims about AI adoption and its impact. Sid Yenamandra explains that this occurs when vendors market capabilities as AI-based even if they mainly rely on traditional analytics or rules-based automation. Babu Sivadasan emphasizes the importance of distinguishing genuine AI that offers real-time connected intelligence from mere automation.
The SEC, DOJ, and FTC have taken notice and launched enforcement actions against companies overstating their AI capabilities. This has led to a noticeable increase in securities class action lawsuits related to AI disclosures, with 16 cases filed in 2025 alone.
The conversation around AI governance is becoming increasingly urgent. As Martha Gimbel noted, “No matter which way you look at the data, at this exact moment, it just doesn’t seem like there’s major macroeconomic effects here.” The scrutiny around these claims will likely continue as more companies navigate the complexities of integrating AI into their operations.
The rise of intangible assets underscores the need for market credibility amidst growing concerns about job displacement and regulatory compliance. With 145 AI-related bills enacted into law in the US in 2025 and potential fines reaching 7% of global revenue under the EU AI Act for non-compliance, businesses must tread carefully in how they communicate their technological advancements.
