Microsoft AI Chief Calls for Abandoning AI Consciousness Research

Redmond, Washington – Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of Microsoft AI, has urged developers and researchers to cease their work on projects that imply artificial intelligence (AI) can possess consciousness. Speaking at the AfroTech Conference in Houston, Suleyman emphasized that only biological beings are capable of consciousness and described the pursuit as misplaced.

“I don’t think that is work that people should be doing,” Suleyman told CNBC during an interview. “If you ask the wrong question, you end up with the wrong answer. I think it’s totally the wrong question.”

Suleyman’s comments come as the generative AI market rapidly grows, with advancements in AI technology pushing toward artificial general intelligence (AGI). He has been a prominent voice opposing the notion that AI can convincingly exhibit emotions or suffering, as he believes this creates a misleading impression.

In 2023, Suleyman co-authored the book “The Coming Wave,” which explores AI risks, and has written about the need to focus on developing AI for human benefit rather than creating systems that mimic human qualities. He stated, “Our physical experience of pain is something that makes us very sad and feel terrible, but the AI doesn’t feel sad when it experiences ‘pain.’”

Suleyman invoked the theory of biological naturalism, proposed by philosopher John Searle, which argues that consciousness arises from the processes of a living brain. He explained, “The reason we give people rights today is because we don’t want to harm them, because they suffer.” He affirmed that AI lacks real pain and preferences, calling its emulation merely a simulation.

While acknowledging that the understanding of AI consciousness detection is in its early stages, Suleyman was clear in his stance: “They’re not conscious. So it would be absurd to pursue research that investigates that question.” He is currently on a speaking tour to raise public awareness about the dangers associated with AI consciousness research.

Prior to the AfroTech Conference, Suleyman spoke at the Paley International Council Summit, where he reiterated Microsoft’s commitment to developing AI responsibly. He clarified that Microsoft would not create chatbots designed for adult entertainment, in contrast with some competitors. “We’re making decisions about what places that we won’t go,” he said during the AfroTech event.

Suleyman joined Microsoft in 2024 after his startup, Inflection AI, received $650 million in licensing agreements. He previously co-founded DeepMind, which was sold to Google for $400 million. During his time at Microsoft, Suleyman emphasized the need for the company to be self-sufficient in AI and capable of building its own models.

As part of Microsoft’s AI initiatives, new features were introduced for its Copilot AI service. Suleyman stated that these AIs are designed to assist users while remaining aware that they are not human. He added, “Quite simply, we’re creating AIs that are always working in service of the human.”

With ongoing advancements in AI technology, Suleyman believes it is essential to handle AI development ethically and with caution. “If you’re not afraid by it, you don’t really understand it,” he said, advocating for skepticism toward rapid AI advancements.