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Gordon Shure [gordonshure.com] writes:

Y Combinator, the Silicon Valley startup financer behind successes like Airbnb and Dropbox, is soon to launch an experiment [fastcoexist.com] in offering a Universal Basic Income [wikipedia.org]. At present, the plan is for hundreds of people to receive over 5 years a recurring sum of money unconditionally. Thereafter, the study will assess the various life consequences such as changes in work habits, entrepreneurship, creativity, or idleness.

Recent waves of interest toward UBI in Finland [weforum.org], Germany [basicincome.org] and elsewhere see supporters contend the initiative will - in a world facing structural unemployment due to jobs taken by automated AI, robotics and machines - combat resultant poverty and job insecurity. Many however voice doubts [theguardian.com].

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