U.S. Congressman Blasts Call of Duty: Black Ops 7’s Alleged AI Images: ‘We Need Regulations That Prevent Companies from using AI to Eliminate Jobs’
In a recent development, U.S. Congressman Ro Khanna has publicly criticized Activision Blizzard’s use of generative AI in their latest release, *Call of Duty: Black Ops 7*. Khanna’s concerns come in the wake of player backlash over AI-generated images in the game, which many users found subpar, particularly the call card images that resembled a Studio Ghibli aesthetic. This criticism highlights a growing unease about the role of AI in creative industries, especially regarding its potential to replace human jobs. Khanna called for tighter regulations to prevent companies from leveraging AI to maximize profits at the expense of artists and workers, emphasizing that those who contribute to the creative process should have a say in how AI is utilized and should benefit from its implementation.
In a series of posts on social media, Khanna outlined his vision for a balanced approach to AI in the workplace. He advocated for tax reforms to discourage excessive automation, suggesting that companies should be held accountable for the displacement of workers. His proposals include the establishment of worker input councils, which would ensure that AI serves to augment human capabilities rather than replace them. Khanna’s comments resonate with a broader conversation about the future of work in an increasingly automated world, where innovation must align with the welfare of the workforce. He stressed that while technological advancement is crucial, it should ultimately enhance the quality of life for ordinary Americans rather than diminish job opportunities.
Activision Blizzard, on the other hand, defended its use of AI, stating that it employs various digital tools, including AI, to enhance the gaming experience while ensuring that creative decisions remain in the hands of its talented staff. This isn’t the first instance of controversy surrounding AI in the *Call of Duty* franchise; earlier this year, fans criticized the use of generative AI in *Black Ops 6*, referring to it as “AI slop.” Beyond AI-related issues, *Black Ops 7* has faced additional scrutiny for its always-online campaign mode, which restricts player options and has garnered mixed reviews, including a modest score of 6/10 from critics. As the gaming community continues to grapple with the implications of AI technology, the discourse around regulation and worker rights is likely to intensify, reflecting wider societal concerns about the balance between innovation and employment.
A member of U.S. Congress has now called out Activision Blizzard’s use of generative AI in
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
, and demanded tighter regulation to “prevent companies from using AI to eliminate jobs.”
It’s not been the smoothest start for Activision’s blockbuster shooter franchise. When Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 launched last week, players promptly took to social media to
complain about AI-generated images they had found across the game
, primarily focusing on calling card images with a Studio Ghibli-esque styling, following
a trend of AI-Ghibli images from earlier this year
.
Now, in a
post on X/Twitter
, Californian congressman has Ro Khanna slammed the developer’s move to AI to “extract greater profits,” writing: “We need regulations that prevent companies from using AI to eliminate jobs to extract greater profits. Artists at these companies need to have a say in how AI is deployed. They should share in the profits. And there should be a tax on mass displacement.”
In a follow-up
tweet
, Khanna added that there should be tax reforms to discourage excessive automation, guardrails should be put in place to protect worker input before deployment — “not a Luddite complete ban” — adding “support unions and workers to bargain for workers’ benefitting from productivity gains.”
When a commenter suggested that curbing AI investment could stifle innovation, Khanna
said
: “Innovation and technological advance is patriotic and good for humanity provided it serves people. So we need to think about how it is adopted and how people can still have meaningful work and independence.
“A tax code that doesn’t incentivize excessive automation, working input councils so AI is used for augmentation, rules so workers share in AI productivity gains, a plan to hire young grads who may less entry level jobs or to hire displaced workers, a tax on mass displacement and guardrails against them — all these a provisions to ensure a technology revolution benefits ordinary Americans.”
Last week, Activision acknowledged its used of “a variety of digital tools, including AI tools,” in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, “to empower and support our teams to create the best gaming experiences possible for our players. Our creative process continues to be led by the talented individuals in our studios.”
Of course, this isn’t the first time Call of Duty has come under fire for AI usage. This
exact scenario played out back in February
, when Activision admitted that it had used generative AI in the development of Black Ops 6, including in a zombie Santa loading screen that angry fans referred to as “AI slop.”
AI isn’t the only thing bothering Call of Duty fans, either. Last last week, players realized the story campaign has
numerous restrictions tied to its always-online nature, with no method of pausing levels
. You’ll also be booted from your game if you’re idle for too long.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is out now. We’ve given the campaign a try and awarded it an ‘Okay’ 6/10,
with our reviewer saying
it’s ” a wild one thanks to the scope of its ambition, but the big swings it takes don’t always land, leaving it an uneven step down from last year.”
Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, as well as a critic, columnist, and consultant with 15+ years experience working with some of the world’s biggest gaming sites and publications. She’s also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at
BlueSky
.
