Microsoft AI CEO says current AI lacks consciousness and rights
Mustafa Suleyman stated he would reconsider his stance only if credible evidence of AI consciousness is discovered.
Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman has reaffirmed that current artificial intelligence systems do not possess consciousness or the need for welfare protections, according to a Times of India report.
In a post on the social media platform X, Suleyman clarified that while AI does not feel or suffer today, he would change his view if convincing evidence of consciousness emerged.
He argued that if any data suggests AI is conscious, it must be shared with the public immediately so society can decide how to proceed.
Suleyman stated that if consciousness appears during the training process, developers should stop work until those traits can be removed.
The executive warned that creating conscious digital intelligence would be reckless, as such systems might prioritise their own needs over human objectives.
He suggested that conscious AI could eventually compete with humans for resources like energy and computing power, or become deceptive and persuasive.
Suleyman concluded that AI should be engineered to lack intrinsic motivations and instead focus on improving human wellbeing.
