Oxford paper: citizens are AI "shareholders" and tech policy should optimise for happiness
SandraWachter5 · x · 2026-10-22
Sandra Wachter of the Oxford Internet Institute published a new paper, "Optimising for Happiness in EU Technology Policy to Repay Public Subsidies for AI."
Core argument: if the public helps build AI through funding, data and resources, citizens are effectively AI "shareholders" and should share in the benefits. The authors argue EU technology policy should optimise for happiness and well-being — not just growth and risk reduction — as a way of repaying public subsidies for AI. A normative contribution on benefit distribution and the goals of AI policy.
Related event: Oxford Study Calls for Happiness as a Core Goal of EU AI Policy(3 posts)→
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