Brown student creates map of global AI data labor
Cunyan Ma, an undergraduate at Brown University, has developed an interactive map to visualize the hidden human labor behind artificial intelligence systems. Working with the University’s Center for Technological Responsibility, Reimagination and Redesign, Ma aims to expose what he terms "AI colonialism" by linking technology companies and their intermediaries to data workers in the Global South.
Key points
- Brown student Cunyan Ma created an interactive map linking tech companies to global data workers.
- The map aggregates databases and news reports to visualize the human labor behind AI training.
- Data workers often perform tedious tasks, including viewing disturbing content to filter harmful AI outputs.
The map aggregates existing databases, Ma’s own data collection, and news reports to provide a broader picture of working conditions, which are often only known through anecdotal journalism. Ma notes that while AI systems appear to operate autonomously, they rely on humans for training tasks such as labeling images, transcribing speech, and rating chatbot responses.
The project highlights the often tedious and sometimes distressing nature of this work, including the requirement for data workers to view disturbing content to help filter harmful material. The interactive tool is freely available online, offering a more structured view of the supply chain that supports modern AI applications.
Brown student maps the hidden global labor powering AI
brown.edu · 26 October 2026
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