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U.S. Lawmakers Push for Ban on TP-Link Routers Amid National Security Concerns

Brant.One News Desk
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U.S. Lawmakers Push for Ban on TP-Link Routers Amid National Security Concerns

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers is urging the Department of Commerce to investigate and potentially ban the sale of TP-Link networking equipment in the United States, citing national security concerns over the Chinese company’s alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and its dominant presence in the U.S. router market.

In a letter addressed to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, the legislators expressed alarm over TP-Link’s significant market share—reportedly around 65% of the U.S. home and small business router market—and the potential risks this poses to national security. They highlighted concerns that TP-Link’s devices could be exploited by Chinese state-sponsored hackers to infiltrate American networks, especially given past incidents where vulnerabilities in TP-Link routers were allegedly used in cyberattacks targeting government officials in Europe.

“TP-Link’s deep ties to the Chinese Communist Party, use of predatory pricing to eliminate trusted U.S. alternatives, and role in embedding foreign surveillance and destructive capabilities into our networks render it a clear and present danger,” the lawmakers wrote.

The letter also pointed to TP-Link’s alleged non-compliance with industry efforts to mitigate Chinese state-sponsored botnets and its refusal to participate in initiatives aimed at enhancing cybersecurity.

In response, TP-Link has denied the allegations, stating that the claims are “categorically false” and part of a smear campaign intended to remove a competitor from the marketplace. The company emphasized that it operates independently of its Chinese parent company, TP-Link Technologies Co., following a corporate restructuring completed in October 2024. TP-Link also noted that its products have been manufactured in Vietnam since 2018, aiming to distance itself from Chinese influence.

Despite these assertions, the Department of Justice has reportedly initiated a criminal antitrust investigation into TP-Link’s pricing strategies, examining whether the company engaged in predatory pricing practices that could harm competitors not considered national security threats. The investigation also explores potential national security risks associated with TP-Link’s growing market share.

The Commerce Department, empowered by Executive Order 13873, has broad authority to ban or restrict transactions between U.S. firms and foreign adversary nations if their products pose a national security risk. This executive order has previously been used to prohibit the use of telecommunications and surveillance technology from Chinese firms Huawei and ZTE.

As the investigation unfolds, consumers and businesses using TP-Link products are advised to stay informed about potential developments and consider the security implications of their networking equipment choices.

NASA Funds Student Teams Tackling Drone Disaster Relief and Aviation Cybersecurity

Ruben Reyes
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NASA Funds Student Teams Tackling Drone Disaster Relief and Aviation Cybersecurity

NASA is giving university students a real-world shot at solving some of aviation’s most pressing problems—from hurricane recovery to airspace cybersecurity.

Two student-led teams, from North Carolina State University and Texas A&M University, have secured funding through NASA’s University Student Research Challenge (USRC). This program, run under NASA’s Transformative Aeronautics Concepts Program (TACP), isn’t just about academic theory. It’s about testing bold ideas in real environments, giving students the opportunity to take research from blueprint to build.

Each team can receive up to $80,000 in NASA funding—but there’s a twist. They’re also required to crowdfund a portion of their project budget. It’s a deliberate challenge, aimed at preparing students for the realities of launching technology in the real world: resource constraints, public buy-in, and the pressure to deliver working solutions.

The latest round of awards focuses on two proposals that stood out:

  • A drone system from NC State designed for emergency response in hurricane-hit regions
  • A cybersecurity framework from Texas A&M built to safeguard drone traffic networks from digital threats

NC State’s Drone Solution: Rapid Response After Hurricanes

Hurricanes don’t just damage buildings—they cut off entire communities. Roads are blocked. Power lines go down. Emergency responders struggle to reach those who need help the most.

To tackle that, students at NC State are developing REACHR, short for Reconnaissance and Emergency Aircraft for Critical Hurricane Relief. Their idea: deploy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that can fly over debris-filled areas, locate survivors, drop off emergency supplies, and provide temporary communication links where phone service is lost.

The drone system is designed to do three things:

  • Survey damage with onboard cameras and sensors, sending real-time video back to emergency centers
  • Deliver supplies like water, food, and medical kits to people stranded in hard-to-reach spots
  • Restore communication by acting as a temporary wireless network, letting survivors connect with first responders

Unlike helicopters or trucks, these drones don’t rely on fuel or cleared roads. They can operate autonomously, in swarms, and cover wide areas quickly and safely.

The team includes Hullette and fellow students Jose Vizcarrondo, Rishi Ghosh, Caleb Gobel, Lucas Nicol, Ajay Pandya, Paul Randolph, and Hadie Sabbah. Their work is guided by faculty advisor Dr. Felix Ewere, who has helped shape the project to meet both real-world needs and NASA’s technical standards.

Beyond the lab, REACHR has the potential to change how the U.S. responds to natural disasters. If the tech proves successful, agencies like FEMA or the Red Cross could use these drones to cut response times and reach survivors faster.

Texas A&M’s Cybersecurity Plan: Locking Down the Drone Highway

As drones become more common in U.S. airspace, the need to manage their movement is growing fast. NASA has long supported the idea of a UAS Traffic Management (UTM) system—a digital version of air traffic control, built to handle the rise of autonomous aircraft.

But with more connected systems comes a new threat: cyberattacks.

Texas A&M’s team is developing a layered security solution to protect future drone networks from hackers. Their system uses context-aware tools to spot threats early, isolate compromised parts of the network, and keep the rest of the system running safely.

Their work is especially relevant in light of recent incidents. In 2019, drone activity brought London’s Gatwick Airport to a standstill for more than a day. In the future, a cyberattack could do more than delay flights—it could crash emergency deliveries or disrupt entire sectors.

The A&M system focuses on three technical pillars:

  • AI-driven threat detection to monitor behavior and flag anything out of the ordinary
  • Network segmentation that can quickly isolate suspicious nodes
  • Dynamic authentication to make sure every drone and operator in the system is who they say they are

Team members Michael Ades, Garett Haynes, Sarah Lee, Kevin Lei, Oscar Leon, McKenna Smith, and Nhan Nick Truong are building the framework under the guidance of Dr. Jaewon Kim and Dr. Sandip Roy. Their goal is to set new security standards for how unmanned aircraft communicate and operate safely in shared airspace.

USRC’s Bigger Goal: Real-World Impact, Not Just Research

These two projects reflect what USRC is all about—getting students to think beyond the lab and into the field.

The program asks students to do more than invent. They have to manage teams, pitch their work to the public, raise money, and align their research with national needs. In short, they learn how to build something that lasts.

USRC projects don’t stop when the semester ends. Past teams have launched start-ups, earned patents, and secured roles in high-impact research. One group pioneered eco-friendly wingtip designs. Another helped develop AI-driven tools to reduce air traffic congestion.

And the focus on resilience and cybersecurity couldn’t be more timely. A 2022 report from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) called out both physical and digital infrastructure vulnerabilities as top concerns for U.S. safety. These student efforts directly respond to that call.

What’s Next for the Teams

Over the next year, both teams will refine their designs, build working prototypes, and pitch their concepts to potential backers. Their crowdfunding campaigns won’t just fund the project—they’ll teach the students how to generate public interest and investment.

With help from NASA and support from their universities, these students are getting a crash course in what it takes to move an idea from sketch to system.

They’re not just building drones or security software—they’re building the future of aerospace.

Alabama Investigates Cybersecurity Incident Affecting State Government Systems

Brant.One News Desk
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Alabama Investigates Cybersecurity Incident Affecting State Government Systems

Alabama state officials are responding to a cybersecurity incident that has affected certain state government systems. Governor Kay Ivey announced on May 13 that the state is addressing a “cybersecurity event” and advised residents to anticipate potential disruptions to government website access and other services.

The incident, first detected on May 9, involved the compromise of some state employee usernames and passwords. However, officials currently believe that no personally identifiable information of Alabama residents has been accessed.

The Alabama Office of Information Technology (OIT) has been working continuously to identify and mitigate the impact of the incident. Two third-party cybersecurity firms have been engaged to assist with the response, maintaining round-the-clock operations to contain the situation.

As a precautionary measure, all state agencies have been instructed to reset employee passwords. While the full scope of the incident remains under investigation, there have been no major disruptions to state services reported thus far.

Governor Ivey emphasized the importance of vigilance, reminding state employees to be cautious of potentially malicious emails. The state has not yet identified the responsible parties behind the cybersecurity event.

The OIT has established a dedicated webpage to provide updates on the incident. Officials have stated that, due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, information will be shared as it becomes available and as security protocols permit.

This incident highlights the growing threat of cyberattacks on government systems, underscoring the need for robust cybersecurity measures and preparedness.

Alaska Fails Federal Education Funding Test, Jeopardizing Millions in Aid

Brant.One News Desk
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Alaska Fails Federal Education Funding Test, Jeopardizing Millions in Aid

The U.S. Department of Education has determined that Alaska failed the federal “disparity test,” a benchmark ensuring equitable distribution of education funding across school districts. This failure puts at risk tens of millions of dollars in federal Impact Aid that the state has traditionally counted toward its own education funding obligations.

What is the Department’s Disparity Test?

The disparity test assesses whether a state’s per-pupil funding disparities among its school districts exceed 25%. Passing this test allows states to consider Federal Impact Aid—funds provided to compensate for tax-exempt federal and tribal lands—as part of their own contribution to education funding.

Alaska’s failure indicates that the funding gap between its highest- and lowest-funded districts surpasses this threshold.

What does it mean for Alaska’s education budget?

Failing the disparity test means Alaska cannot count approximately $89 million in federal Impact Aid toward its education funding requirements for the upcoming fiscal year. Consequently, the state must either increase its own funding to cover this shortfall or risk non-compliance with federal standards.

What is Alaska’s response?

In a letter dated May 16, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education informed Alaska Education Commissioner Deena Bishop of the state’s failure. The state has 60 days to request a hearing to contest the findings. Commissioner Bishop indicated that the state is evaluating its options moving forward.

Any proposed regulation changes and legislative actions taken?

To address funding disparities, Alaska’s Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) is considering regulations that would further limit local governments’ contributions to school districts. However, this proposal has met resistance. Representative Andi Story (D-Juneau) introduced House Bill 212, aiming to allow local funding for non-instructional services—such as transportation and extracurricular activities—to remain outside the state’s contribution cap.

Did this happen before?

This is not the first time Alaska has faced issues with the disparity test. In 2021, the state initially failed but successfully appealed by obtaining an exemption to exclude student transportation funding from the calculations. The current failure suggests that disparities persist despite previous adjustments.

Broader Impacts on Alaska’s Education System?

The state’s failure to meet federal funding equity standards compounds existing challenges in Alaska’s education system, including teacher shortages, aging infrastructure, and debates over the adequacy of the state’s per-student funding formula. Without resolution, the funding shortfall could lead to program cuts, staff reductions, and increased class sizes, particularly in underfunded districts.

U.S. Department of Education Rescinds $37.7 Million Fine Against Grand Canyon University

Brant.One News Desk
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U.S. Department of Education Rescinds $37.7 Million Fine Against Grand Canyon University

In a significant reversal, the U.S. Department of Education has rescinded a $37.7 million fine previously levied against Grand Canyon University (GCU), concluding that the university did not mislead students regarding the costs of its doctoral programs.

The fine, initially imposed in October 2023, was the largest ever issued by the Department against a single university. The Department had alleged that GCU misrepresented the total cost of its doctoral degrees, citing that a majority of students paid more than the advertised amount due to additional “continuation courses.” GCU contested these claims, asserting that the accusations were based on isolated and out-of-context statements.

In a Joint Stipulation of Dismissal issued by the Department’s Office of Hearings and Appeals, the case was dismissed with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled. The Department confirmed that it had not established that GCU violated any Title IV requirements and imposed no fines, liabilities, or penalties. The dismissal stated unequivocally that “there are no findings against GCU, or any of its employees, officers, agents, or contractors, and no fine is imposed.”

GCU President Brian Mueller welcomed the decision, stating, “The facts clearly support our contention that we were wrongly accused of misleading our doctoral students, and we appreciate the recognition that those accusations were without merit.” He emphasized the university’s commitment to innovation, transparency, and best practices in higher education.

The rescission aligns with previous findings from other regulatory bodies and courts that had disputed the Department’s allegations. Notably, two federal courts rejected similar claims related to GCU’s doctoral program disclosures, and the Higher Learning Commission deemed the university’s disclosures “robust and thorough” in a 2021 review. Additionally, the Arizona State Approving Agency of the Department of Veterans Affairs found “no substantiated findings” in its audit of GCU’s disclosures and processes.

Despite the Department’s reversal, GCU continues to face a lawsuit from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) concerning similar allegations. The FTC claims that GCU and its service provider, Grand Canyon Education, misrepresented the cost and structure of their doctoral programs. GCU maintains that these allegations are unfounded and part of a broader pattern of regulatory overreach.

The Department’s decision to rescind the fine marks the end of a protracted legal battle and removes a significant financial and reputational burden from GCU. The university, which serves over 100,000 students, primarily through online programs, can now focus on its educational mission without the shadow of the record-setting fine.

Google Unveils AI-Powered Accessibility Features for Android and Chrome

Juan Oliveros
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Google Unveils AI-Powered Accessibility Features for Android and Chrome

In honor of Global Accessibility Awareness Day on May 15, Google is rolling out a fresh wave of features aimed at making its platforms more inclusive. From enhanced screen readers to better captions and broader language support, the updates span both Android and Chrome—and they’re all powered by Google’s Gemini AI.

Smarter Image Descriptions with TalkBack

Android’s TalkBack screen reader just got a major boost. Using Gemini AI, it can now describe images in detail—even when no alt text is provided. This is a big win for users who are blind or have low vision.

The real shift? Interactivity.

Instead of a one-way description, users can now ask follow-up questions about an image. Curious about the brand of a guitar in a photo? Or want to know what else is in the background? You can ask, and the AI responds. This level of detail extends across the entire screen, making it easier to get context on anything from a product listing to a social media post.

You can now ask follow-up questions about an image via TalkBack. GIF: Google

Captions That Catch More Than Just Words

Google’s updated Expressive Captions feature now picks up the little things that standard captions miss—like tone, inflection, and background noise. Elongated words like “nooo,” or sounds like throat clearing and whistling, now show up in captions. It might seem small, but for people who rely on captions, these nuances can make a big difference in understanding mood, tone, or sarcasm.

Expressive Captions capture even the little things. GIF: Google

Chrome Gets Friendlier for Visual Impairments

Over on Chrome, accessibility is getting a practical upgrade.

One of the biggest changes: Optical Character Recognition (OCR) is now supported for scanned PDFs. That means screen readers can finally access and read text that was previously locked in image-based files.

Chrome for Android also gets a new Page Zoom feature. It lets users increase text size without breaking the page layout—a long-overdue improvement for those with visual impairments who’ve struggled with clunky, distorted pages.

A new Zoom Page feature. GIF: Google

Breaking Language Barriers with African Speech Recognition

In a push for more global accessibility, Google is investing in speech recognition for African languages. The company is releasing open-source data for 10 languages to help developers build tools for underserved communities.

This move aims to reduce the digital divide by making voice technology accessible in parts of the world often left out of mainstream AI development.

Accessibility at the Core

These updates signal more than just new features—they reflect a shift in how Google designs its products. By integrating AI at the core of accessibility tools, the company is making digital spaces more usable for everyone.

For millions of users with disabilities, this means better tools to navigate, understand, and interact with the world online. And for developers, it offers new building blocks to create more inclusive tech.

Walmart Prepares for AI-Powered Shopping Agents, Redefining Retail Engagement

Juan Oliveros
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Walmart Prepares for AI-Powered Shopping Agents, Redefining Retail Engagement

Walmart is bracing for a major shift in how people shop—one where artificial intelligence takes the wheel.

The company is updating its digital platforms to accommodate AI-powered shopping agents. These tools, like OpenAI’s Operator, can browse, select, and purchase products based on your preferences. You don’t need to scroll or click. Just tell the AI what you want, and it handles the rest.

To stay ahead, Walmart is developing its own AI-driven features for both its app and website. These tools already assist with simple tasks like reordering groceries, but the goal is much bigger. Soon, you might be able to type or say something like, “plan a unicorn-themed birthday party,” and Walmart’s AI will generate a tailored shopping list, from balloons to cake mix to party favors.

This kind of hands-free, intuitive shopping experience could change how people interact with retailers. Instead of navigating menus and reading reviews, you’ll rely on AI agents to do the legwork. For busy families or anyone who dreads errands, that’s a game-changer.

But this evolution isn’t just about saving time. It’s reshaping how Walmart thinks about digital retail. Traditional marketing techniques—eye-catching product images, catchy slogans, emotional branding—are aimed at human shoppers. AI agents operate differently. They evaluate text-based product information, compare data points, and make choices based on user input and logic. That forces Walmart to rethink how it writes product descriptions, sets prices, and structures its promotions.

These changes also affect how Walmart interacts with third-party AI agents. The company knows consumers won’t always use Walmart’s own tools—they may rely on assistants developed by tech giants or independent platforms. To prepare, Walmart is building systems that allow outside AI agents to communicate directly with its product databases. This includes sharing user preferences, receiving tailored product recommendations, and completing transactions smoothly, no matter which AI is doing the shopping.

Behind the scenes, this shift demands a complete overhaul of how retail platforms work. It means building trust between retailers and AI agents, ensuring product information is consistent and clear, and creating standards that allow machines to interpret and act on user intent.

Even though the majority of shopping still happens in physical stores, the signs of change are clear. AI shopping agents are gaining traction, especially for routine purchases and online orders. As they become more capable, their role in everyday shopping will grow.

Walmart’s early moves show it’s paying close attention to that future. By investing in AI now—before these agents become mainstream—it’s positioning itself to serve not just the customers of today, but the algorithms that might represent them tomorrow.

Meta Unveils New Accessibility Features Across Devices and Platforms

Brant.One News Desk
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Meta Unveils New Accessibility Features Across Devices and Platforms

In recognition of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Meta has announced a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing accessibility across its range of products and platforms. These developments focus on providing more inclusive experiences for users with disabilities, leveraging advanced technologies to break down barriers.

Enhanced AI Capabilities on Ray-Ban Meta Glasses

Meta’s Ray-Ban Meta glasses, known for their hands-free functionality, are receiving an update that allows users to customize Meta AI for more detailed responses. This feature enables the AI to provide descriptive information about the user’s surroundings, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals who are blind or have low vision. The update is set to roll out in the U.S. and Canada, with plans for broader availability in the future.

Additionally, Meta is expanding its “Call a Volunteer” feature, developed in partnership with Be My Eyes. This service connects users with sighted volunteers in real-time to assist with everyday tasks. The feature will soon be available in all 18 countries where Meta AI is supported.

Advancements in Human-Computer Interaction

Meta is exploring the use of surface electromyography (sEMG) wristbands to facilitate human-computer interaction, particularly for individuals with physical disabilities. These wristbands detect muscle signals at the wrist, allowing users to control devices even if they have limited mobility due to conditions like spinal cord injuries or tremors. Recent research collaborations, including one with Carnegie Mellon University, have demonstrated the potential of sEMG technology to enable users with hand paralysis to interact with computing systems effectively.

Improving Communication in the Metaverse

To make virtual experiences more accessible, Meta is introducing live captions and live speech features in its extended reality products. Live captions convert spoken words into text in real-time, while live speech transforms text into synthetic audio. These features aim to assist users who have hearing impairments or prefer alternative communication methods. Enhancements include the ability to personalize and save frequently used messages.

Furthermore, developers at Sign-Speak have utilized Meta’s open-source AI models to create a WhatsApp chatbot that translates American Sign Language (ASL) into English text and vice versa. This innovation facilitates communication between Deaf individuals and those who do not understand ASL, using avatars to convey messages in sign language.

Wrap Up

Meta’s ongoing commitment to accessibility reflects its dedication to creating inclusive technologies that cater to the diverse needs of its global user base. By integrating advanced AI and human-computer interaction technologies, Meta aims to empower individuals with disabilities to engage more fully with digital experiences.

Delaware State Rep. Sherae’a Moore Removed from House Education Committee Amid Licensing Controversy

Brant.One News Desk
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Delaware State Rep. Sherae’a Moore Removed from House Education Committee Amid Licensing Controversy

Delaware State Representative Sherae’a Moore (D-Middletown) has been removed from her role as vice chair and as a member of the House Education Committee. The decision follows revelations that she taught for several months without a valid teaching license, a situation Moore attributes to administrative delays.

In April 2025, reports surfaced indicating that approximately 400 educators in Delaware, including Moore, were working with expired or missing teaching licenses. Moore, enrolled in the state’s Alternative Routes to Certification (ARTC) program, stated that she had been awaiting the processing of her emergency teaching license. She received confirmation from Wilmington University on April 7, 2025, and her license was officially granted by the Delaware Department of Education on April 30, 2025.

House Speaker Melissa Minor-Brown (D-New Castle) described Moore’s period of teaching without a valid license as a “breach of public trust,” emphasizing the importance of accountability in educational roles.

Moore contends that her removal is politically motivated, citing her independent stance and advocacy for educational reforms. She highlighted her efforts to propose an amendment to House Bill 97, which seeks to ensure that public school employees cannot work unsupervised with students without proper credentials. Moore’s proposed amendment aimed to provide additional flexibility for ARTC participants, acknowledging potential delays in the certification process.

Speaker Minor-Brown, however, expressed concerns that Moore’s proposed amendment could be seen as self-serving, given her own licensing situation. She stated that Moore had opportunities to address certification barriers during her tenure on the committee but chose to act only when personally affected.

Moore disputes these claims, asserting that her actions were in the interest of broader educational improvements and not personal gain. She emphasized the need for a more streamlined certification process to address systemic issues affecting educators statewide.

Despite her removal from the committee, Moore remains an active member of the Delaware House of Representatives. She continues to advocate for educational reforms and has called for increased collaboration and respect within the legislative body.

Careers in the Age of AI: Why Entry-Level Work May Vanish—and What That Means for the Next Generation

Grace Tackman
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Careers in the Age of AI: Why Entry-Level Work May Vanish—and What That Means for the Next Generation

For generations, the journey into professional life began at the bottom. You took an entry-level job, did the grunt work, and learned by repetition. Whether sorting files, reconciling reports, or fielding customer calls, those first jobs taught you the game’s rules. But in 2025, as Gen Z tries to break into the job market, that well-worn on-ramp is starting to vanish. Why? Because artificial intelligence has moved in.

AI isn’t just streamlining workflows—it’s swallowing the very tasks that used to train early-career employees. And it’s happening at the same time that economic instability is shaking the job market. The result? A generation of workers facing an entry gate with no clear door.

Learning from the Past: Two Tales, Two Outcomes

History offers perspective. Take Arthur, a student at Ohio State University during the Great Depression. He gave up football to focus on grades, knowing that academic excellence was his only ticket to employment in a depressed economy. He went on to secure a stable career with the federal government.

Contrast that with Jim, a tech graduate during the late-90s dot-com boom. He landed a high-paying job before graduation—more than most of his peers. But as the bubble burst, Jim was among the first to let go. His high pay didn’t match his lack of experience, and there was no foundation to fall back on.

What unites these stories? In both, the environment dictated the trajectory. Arthur adapted to scarcity; Jim got swept up in excess. 

Now, Gen Z must adapt to a third force: automation.

Gen X entered the workforce during recessions and market corrections. They often faced a frustrating paradox: job listings demanded experience for entry-level roles, yet no one would give them the chance to gain it.

Many took unpaid internships just to get in the door, especially before a landmark moment in 2011, when Fox Searchlight Pictures was sued over unpaid internships. That lawsuit reshaped the landscape, making unpaid labor a legal and reputational liability. Since then, most internships have become paid and fairer. But the scars of inequity remain: for those without financial support, unpaid roles were often out of reach.

Now it’s Gen Z’s turn—and the rules are shifting again. Today’s graduates face a strange blend of low unemployment figures and high competition. For example, an MBA graduate recently applied to 400 positions before finally landing a marketing job at a salary that reflected neither desperation nor boom. Economists might call this a “normative equilibrium,” but for job seekers, it feels like a tug-of-war with no clear winner.

Adding to the complexity: the rise of AI. 

Entry-level marketing analysts, junior accountants, legal clerks—many of the positions once filled by fresh grads—are increasingly augmented or outright replaced by tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, and industry-specific automation software. That leaves fewer places to gain real-world reps.

No Rungs on the Ladder: A Structural Breakdown

Here’s the problem in HR terms:

  • Level 1 jobs (introductory, basic tasks) are being automated.
  • Level 2 jobs now require a deeper understanding, but companies are hiring new grads directly into them.

This creates a dilemma. If you pay a Level 2 wage, do you also train the employee in foundational skills? That’s expensive. But if you pay them a Level 1 wage, the role may be misclassified, triggering legal and equity issues.

Worse, it threatens the entire compensation structure. What’s a “promotion” when the ladder’s bottom rungs are gone? Organizations must reconfigure pay bands, training plans, and equity frameworks—fast.

Why Knowing the Basics Still Matters

Let’s say John is hired as a cashier. The register, powered by AI, calculates totals, tracks inventory, and classifies payments. But the moment the system goes down, chaos ensues. Does John know how to calculate tax manually? Reconcile inventory? Most likely, no. He’s never had to.

Now apply that to an entry-level accountant using AI to classify business expenses. If the AI misclassifies a major item and no one notices, what’s the risk? Financial misreporting. Bad decisions. Regulatory trouble. Without a foundation, new workers can’t spot errors or ask better questions.

AI may do the work, but someone still needs to understand the why behind it.

Looking Ahead: Adapt or Be Automated

The question isn’t whether AI will reshape work—it already has. The question is how we prepare new employees to thrive in a world where the training wheels are gone.

Colleges must rethink curricula to emphasize critical thinking, systems knowledge, and decision-making. Employers must invest in onboarding that goes deeper than just “how to use the tools.” And Gen Z? They’ll have to advocate for learning opportunities, not just job titles.

Because the stakes are high. If we don’t teach the foundation, the next generation won’t be ready when the system fails—and eventually, it always does.

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