Anthropic's AI legal tool sparks concern among European data services firms, causing a decline in share prices for several companies. The US-based AI firm's announcement of a tool designed for in-house lawyers has led to a 4% drop in shares for UK publishing group Pearson, an 11% plunge for information and analytics firm Relx, and an 8.7% fall for Dutch software company Wolters Kluwer. The London Stock Exchange Group and credit reporting firm Experian also saw a 7% decline in stock prices. While the tool automates legal tasks, it does not provide legal advice, requiring licensed attorneys to review AI-generated analysis. Anthropic's CEO, Dario Amodei, founded the company in 2021, along with former OpenAI staff, and has since unveiled open-source tools for various professional activities, including sales and customer support. The news has reignited concerns about job losses due to the AI boom, with the UK facing a higher rate of job loss compared to other major economies. A survey reveals that 27% of UK workers worry about potential job displacement in the next five years, despite AI-aided productivity gains reported by British businesses. London Mayor Sadiq Khan warns that AI could destroy numerous jobs in the capital, emphasizing the city's reliance on white-collar workers in finance, creative industries, and professional services. The impact of AI on employment is a complex issue, and the debate continues as to whether it will lead to significant job displacement or create new opportunities.
