Andrea Pignataro: Humanity is training AI systems that will make us redundant

Andrea Pignataro, the charismatic tech leader and creator of the financial empire Ion, has become a central figure in the discussion about Europe's digital future. In a series of publications and speeches that resonated widely in the Italian press, the billionaire has outlined a bleak scenario for human-machine relations. According to Pignataro, modern society is participating in a process that can be called self-destructive training: every interaction with advanced algorithmic models provides them with valuable knowledge that will ultimately allow for the elimination of human personnel from production and analytical processes. He sees artificial intelligence not as support, but as humanity's systemic successor. „Nutriamo ogni giorno gli stessi sistemi che ci rendono superflui.” (We feed every day the very systems that make us superfluous.) — Andrea Pignataro The reaction from economic circles was immediate and ambiguous. While "Corriere della Sera" and "La Repubblica" focused on the billionaire's alarmist tone, the prestigious newspaper "Il Sole 24 ORE" attempted to deconstruct this vision. The paper's experts point out that while the systemic risk associated with automation is undeniable, the radical rhetoric about the end of work may be exaggerated. Business editors argue that economic history has repeatedly shown the labor market's ability to adapt, and focusing solely on threats obscures the real regulatory challenges currently facing the European Union. Since the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, when Luddites destroyed mechanical looms for fear of unemployment, the fear of technology has cyclically returned to public debate. However, modern systems based on neural networks represent a new quality, as for the first time in history they threaten not only physical labor but also creative and decision-making professions. The paradox of Pignataro's statements lies in the fact that he himself built his fortune by utilizing advanced data analytics and algorithms in the fintech sector. Critics point out that these warnings may be a form of maneuvering for a new architecture of security and control over data, where he himself wants to remain a key player. Regardless of intentions, the debate initiated by Italy's richest man is forcing regulators to rethink issues of data sovereignty and intellectual property protection, which is becoming fuel for AI models. The question of how to balance economic efficiency with preserving human dignity and role in society remains open. Pignataro's ranking among Italy's richest people Italian media, reacting to the billionaire's theses, have split into fatalistic and pragmatic camps. General-interest media readily quote metaphors about "training one's own professional killers," which finds fertile ground amid wage stagnation and concerns about job stability. Meanwhile, specialized media try to temper the mood, pointing to the necessity of reskilling personnel instead of building barriers to innovation. The entire discussion reveals a deep anxiety among European elites about whether the Old Continent will manage to maintain its agency in a race dominated by giants from the USA and China.