Coinbase Global, Inc.'s Chief Executive Officer revealed that he "took matters into his own hands" by terminating several employees who had not adopted artificial intelligence technology despite being instructed to do so.

Armstrong emphasized the critical importance of AI in workplace operations, announcing plans to have artificial intelligence handle 50% of code writing tasks by the end of the current quarter.

During a podcast appearance this Wednesday, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong discussed the AI-related mandates he established for engineers. He made it clear that he takes employee adoption of AI programming tools seriously, with non-compliance carrying significant consequences.

The Coinbase chief executive stated that he was initially told achieving 50% AI tool adoption would require approximately two quarters.

"Why can't every engineer be officially onboarded by the end of this week?" he questioned.

"I took matters into my own hands," Armstrong explained, describing how he posted messages in the company's Slack channels emphasizing AI's importance. He informed engineers that while daily use wasn't mandatory at that point, they needed to "at least familiarize themselves with the tools by week's end."

"If this hasn't been completed, I will convene a meeting on Saturday with everyone who hasn't finished this task, and I want to discuss the specific reasons why," the Coinbase CEO announced.

On Saturday, Armstrong reported logging into the meeting system where a small number of employees joined the call.

"Some had legitimate reasons, such as just returning from travel. Others had no valid justification and were consequently terminated," Armstrong stated.

Armstrong indicated that his "tough" approach conveyed to employees that artificial intelligence is trustworthy and worth understanding deeply. Coinbase Global, Inc. has initiated monthly "AI sprint training" sessions led by internal staff who utilize AI. The goal, he noted, is to have AI generate 50% of code by quarter's end.

Armstrong's decisive action against employees lagging in AI adoption highlights mounting pressure across numerous companies for workforce integration of artificial intelligence technology.

Google's leadership has similarly urged employees to increase AI tool usage in daily operations, with engineers specifically directed to incorporate AI into programming tasks. Previously, employees disclosed that CEO Sundar Pichai emphasized during all-hands meetings that staff must utilize AI to maintain Google's competitive edge in the AI race.

Management personnel may use artificial intelligence more frequently than their subordinates. A June Gallup survey revealed that 33% of leaders identifying as "management team heads" regularly use AI (several times weekly or more), adopting AI at nearly twice the rate of regular employees.

Armstrong clarified that he doesn't expect Coinbase engineers to rely entirely on artificial intelligence for their work, noting that "over-dependence on AI is also undesirable."

He added: "You wouldn't want others randomly conducting financial transfers on these systems. Code reviews must be conducted, proper verification measures ensured, and human oversight maintained in the process."

Armstrong explained that AI application extends beyond company engineers, mentioning that Coinbase's design team "makes extensive use of it."

He said the company is also exploring various methods to test AI's capabilities in decision-making processes.

"Incidentally, even as CEO, I frequently use it myself," Armstrong concluded.