In a recent LinkedIn post, Laurie Ruettimann highlights a significant disconnect between the pronouncements of tech CEOs regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI) and their financial commitments to Universal Basic Income (UBI) solutions. Ruettimann, who serves as Chair of the Board for the Income to Support All Foundation, critically examines the gap between what is said on stage and what is backed by personal investment.
Ruettimann points out that while many tech leaders predict AI’s impact will necessitate UBI, very few are actively funding such initiatives. She notes:
“Every tech CEO worth his keynote fee has predicted AI will require universal basic income. But the list of those actually writing checks fits on one hand.”
She identifies Sam Altman and Jack Dorsey as notable exceptions, detailing their substantial financial contributions to UBI pilots and research. However, Ruettimann emphasizes that beyond these two figures, the list of significant funders dwindles rapidly, indicating a broader trend of rhetorical support without commensurate financial backing.
The AI Pledge for Humanity: Bridging the Funding Gap
To address this disparity, Ruettimann introduces the AI Pledge for Humanity, a new initiative founded by Scott Santens. This pledge encourages individuals, particularly those benefiting from or leading advancements in AI, to publicly commit a percentage of their income or wealth to UBI pilots, unconditional cash programs, and related advocacy efforts.
As Laurie Ruettimann explains the purpose of the pledge:
“Founding signatories publicly commit a percentage of their income or wealth to UBI pilots, unconditional cash programs, and the advocacy required to turn AI’s wealth into a shared dividend.”
The initiative aims to create transparency by making the list of founding signatories public. This public record, Ruettimann suggests, will also clearly highlight the absence of CEOs who have spoken about UBI without providing financial support, thereby increasing accountability.
UBI: Beyond Charity to Empowerment
A core theme in Ruettimann’s analysis is the reframing of UBI not as a charitable handout, but as a fundamental tool for worker empowerment and economic justice. She argues that UBI provides individuals with the necessary leverage to reject unfavorable employment conditions.
According to Laurie Ruettimann:
“UBI is not charity. It is the power to say no to bad wages, unsafe work, and abusive conditions. It is the freedom to negotiate the terms of your own labor instead of begging for them.”
This perspective underscores the idea that as society collectively contributes to technological advancements like AI, the resulting wealth should be distributed more equitably. Ruettimann concludes her post with a call to action, urging readers to sign the pledge and encourage others to do the same, emphasizing that everyone who contributed to making AI possible deserves to share in its benefits.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Laurie Ruettimann on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on May 2, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →