San Francisco-based artificial intelligence startup Artisan AI Inc has placed billboards reading “Stop Hiring Humans” across locations in California and New York City, including Times Square and several Manhattan bus stops, as part of a campaign launched in October 2024. The company, which develops AI-powered virtual sales representatives, is led by CEO Jasper Carmichael-Jack. The advertisements also featured provocative messages such as “Artisans won’t complain about work-life balance” and “Artisans won’t come into work hungover.”
The campaign drew widespread criticism and public debate. US Senator Bernie Sanders responded on X, questioning how displaced workers would survive without jobs or income. On Reddit, some users expressed anger, with comments calling for the billboards to be removed or vandalized. In response, the company stated it employs 35 people and is hiring 22 additional staff, including sales roles. Carmichael-Jack later admitted the campaign was primarily designed to attract attention and clarified that the slogan referred to specific job functions, not humans in general.
