Empire of AI

by Karen Hao
Empire of AI cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Investigative Journalism
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Waterstones
Paperback • £14.99 Hardback • £25.00
Amazon
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  • ID: 2705
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9780593657508
  • Publisher: Penguin Group
  • Published: 2025-05-20
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

Empire of AI is a gripping and deeply reported investigation into the world of artificial intelligence, focusing on OpenAI and its groundbreaking ChatGPT technology. Karen Hao, an AI expert and investigative journalist, provides an eye-opening account of the tech arms race reshaping our world, revealing the darker side of innovation, including the environmental and labor costs behind AI development. Hao’s intimate access to OpenAI’s inner workings, including the shocking story of Sam Altman’s firing and return, offers a revealing look at the power dynamics driving this transformative technology. The book expands beyond the company to explore the global impact of AI, from Silicon Valley engineers to Kenyan data laborers and Chilean water activists, presenting a comprehensive analysis of where this technology is headed and the ethical questions it raises.

Reviews
The New York Times · Keach Hagey · 2025-08-29
critical 4.00

The book provides a critical look at the AI industry, comparing its corporate rhetoric to historical empires. The reviewer appreciates the depth of investigation into OpenAI's impact and the broader tech arms race.

This review highlights the book's critical examination of the AI industry, particularly OpenAI. The reviewer notes how the book delves into the disconnect between the company's mission-driven language and its corporate reality, drawing parallels to historical empires. They appreciate the thorough investigation into the social and environmental costs of the tech arms race, making it a compelling read for those interested in the broader implications of AI development.

Quick quotes

    "Empire of AI" is the broader and more critical of the two.

    Hao profiled OpenAI in 2020, two years before its most famous product, the chatbot ChatGPT, was released.

    The book compares OpenAI's 'benefit all humanity' language to histories of empire.

Science News · 2025-07-14
insightful 4.50

The book is praised for its investigation into the social and environmental costs of the AI tech arms race. The reviewer finds it a compelling read that sheds light on the darker side of AI development.

This review emphasizes the book's exploration of the social and environmental costs associated with the AI tech arms race. The reviewer appreciates the depth of research and the compelling narrative that highlights the less discussed aspects of AI development. They find the book to be a crucial read for understanding the broader impact of AI on society and the environment.

Quick quotes

    In Empire of AI, journalist Karen Hao investigates OpenAI and the social and environmental costs of a multinational tech arms race.

    The book sheds light on the darker side of AI development.

    It is a compelling read for those interested in the broader implications of AI.

Medium · Tosin Adeoti · 2025-06-10
mixed 3.50

The book is seen as a cautionary tale with corporate intrigue, though the reviewer suggests it lacks deeper insight into the future of AI.

This review positions the book as a cautionary story worth reading for its corporate intrigue. The reviewer finds the narrative engaging but feels it could delve deeper into the future implications of AI. They appreciate the book's ability to highlight the complexities and potential pitfalls of the AI industry, making it a valuable read for those interested in the current state of tech development.

Quick quotes

    My verdict is that the book is a cautionary story worth skimming for its corporate intrigue.

    But if you want real insight into the future of AI, you might be left wanting.

    The book highlights the complexities and potential pitfalls of the AI industry.

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