Microsoft AI Chief Warns of AI Mimicking Consciousness

Mustafa Suleyman, head of Microsoft AI, warns that artificial intelligence (AI) is nearing the point of creating the illusion of consciousness. In his article, Suleyman emphasizes that the real danger lies in the human tendency to attribute intention and personality to AI.

The article, reproduced by the BBC and Business Insider, focuses on the need to address "Seemingly Conscious AI" (SCAI), which mimics the external signs of human consciousness. Suleyman warns of the risk of society believing that these models have souls or feelings, leading to demands for machine 'rights'.

He points out the "risk of psychosis," where people develop emotional dependence on machines. Suleyman describes the characteristics of SCAI, such as persuasive language, personality imitation, memory, and self-referentiality.

Finally, he calls for regulations to prohibit the presentation of AI as 'conscious' and to remind users that it is a tool.