Netflix has provoked a strong reaction from striking Hollywood actors and writers after advertising a job for an artificial intelligence (AI) expert. This position would be part of the Machine Learning Platform team at Netflix, responsible for the algorithm that assists viewers in selecting new programs. The salary for this role reaches up to $900, 000 (£700, 000) per year, further fueling the outrage. Strikes by Hollywood unions are underway due to concerns about the impact of AI on the entertainment industry and wages. The job posting, originally reported by The Intercept, is one of several on the Netflix job page seeking applicants with experience in machine learning (ML) and AI. The extensive advert does not make it clear whether the role will involve content advisory, such as selecting TV shows and films for investment. Another open position for a product manager on the Machine Learning Platform team states that the future employee will gather feedback, understand user needs, and ultimately assist in investment decisions. The description implies that the role would involve utilizing AI to assess funding requirements for different programs. This particular aspect is a significant concern for the actors' union, Sag-Aftra, which fears that algorithms possess excessive power.

Sag-Aftra representative Fran Drescher told Time magazine that the success of any film or television program is now less important than during the dominance of broadcast television. Drescher claimed that algorithms dictate the number of episodes per season needed for new subscriber saturation and the necessary number of seasons for a series. This reduction in episode and season quantity, between six and ten episodes and three to four seasons, respectively, creates financial difficulties for actors. Drescher stated, "We're being systematically squeezed out of our livelihood by a business model that was imposed upon us, which has created numerous problems for those at every level of the industry. " The Writers' Guild of America (WGA) has proposed a system to regulate the use of AI in the writing process and prevent its use as source material. Netflix has not commented on the job listings but has previously stated that AI will not replace the creative process. The company emphasizes that the best stories are original, insightful, and often based on personal experiences. The news of this recent AI-related job posting has been condemned by some striking actors, who must earn $26, 470 before becoming eligible for health insurance benefits. Actor Rob Delaney told The Intercept, "So $900k/yr per soldier in their godless AI army when that amount of earnings could qualify thirty-five actors and their families for Sag-Aftra health insurance is just ghoulish. " Javier Grillo-Marxuach, best known for his work on the series Lost, accused Netflix of "pleading poverty while recruiting VERY well-paid generals (more than I've ever made in a year BY FAR) for your soulless army of silicon plagiarists. " Earlier this week, Netflix announced the launch of a new app called My Netflix, described as a personalized one-stop shop with easy shortcuts to aid users in selecting what they want to watch.