Scale AI

> About

AI data labeling and training services. Uses low-wage workers to train AI systems that replace higher-wage workers. Exploitative labor practices.

Website

https://scale.com

CEO

Alexandr Wang

Founded

2016

Valuation

$14B+

> Founders

Alexandr WangLucy Guo

> Products & Services

Data labelingAI training services

> Layoffs

200 employees • 14%

Overexpansion in generative AI division, following Meta investment and CEO transition

Source

1300 employees

Contract employees laid off by labor contractor HireArt (data tagging and labeling)

Source

14 employees

Five WARN layoff notices in California

Source

> Controversies

Department of Labor investigation into compliance with Fair Labor Standards Act regarding worker classification and unpaid wages[1]

Controversy 1 Sources:

  1. Scale AI investigated by Department of Labor(2025-03)

Lawsuits from workers alleging underpayment and misclassification as contractors, with pay effectively below minimum wage[2]

Controversy 2 Sources:

  1. Scale AI wage lawsuits(2025-01)

Widespread unfair working conditions for data-labeling workers including low pay, lack of job security, and insufficient protections[3]

Controversy 3 Sources:

  1. AI data gig workers unfair conditions(2023)

> Tags

automationdata scrapingcontroversybillionaire owned