Chinese Court Rules That a Worker Cannot Be Replaced by AI

A Chinese appeals court upheld a ruling that a company could not fire a worker and replace him with AI.

The court said technology upgrades alone do not justify ending an employment contract.

A quality assurance supervisor challenged his dismissal after his employer tried to cut his pay and swap in an AI system.

Arbitration and two courts found the firing illegal and rejected the company’s AI-based defense.

The case may signal stronger legal protection for workers facing automation in China.