Microsoft AI Chief Warns Most White-Collar Jobs Could Be Automated Within 12–18 Months

New Delhi — Mustafa Suleyman, Chief of Artificial Intelligence at Microsoft, has cautioned that a majority of white-collar jobs dependent on computers could be automated within the next 12 to 18 months.

He stated that Microsoft is working on developing a “professional-grade AGI” capable of automating much of the work currently handled by lawyers, accountants, project managers, and marketing professionals.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Suleyman said Microsoft is moving rapidly to create advanced artificial general intelligence systems that can perform nearly all tasks carried out by human professionals. He noted that the ongoing transformation in artificial intelligence will move beyond incremental productivity improvements and may lead to significant structural changes across knowledge-based professions.

According to Suleyman, most white-collar roles that involve working on computers — including legal, accounting, project management, and marketing responsibilities — could soon be fully handled by AI systems within the next 12 to 18 months.

He explained that Microsoft aims to expand its presence in the enterprise market by automating routine and repetitive functions such as drafting documents, analysing data, and coordinating projects, which currently require skilled professionals.

Suleyman also revealed Microsoft’s plans to increase its in-house AI model development to reduce dependence on OpenAI, following revisions to agreements between the two companies.

He further remarked that creating AI models in the future may become as simple as producing a podcast or writing a blog, enabling both institutions and individuals to design customised AI solutions tailored to their specific needs.

Meanwhile, US technology major Oracle is reportedly planning to cut between 20,000 and 30,000 jobs to expand its AI data-centre infrastructure, while Amazon recently announced layoffs of 16,000 employees as part of its AI restructuring strategy.

A recent report by PwC India estimated that artificial intelligence could contribute nearly $550 billion to India’s economy by 2035 across priority sectors such as agriculture, education, energy, healthcare, and manufacturing.

Additionally, the India AI Mission, launched in 2024 with funding of $1.2 billion, aims to expand access to computing infrastructure, datasets, and AI talent development across the country.

With inputs from IANS