Microsoft AI Chief Suleyman Affirms Consciousness Limited to Biological Beings

Microsoft AI chief Mustafa Suleyman firmly asserts that only biological beings possess true consciousness, emphasizing that artificial intelligence merely simulates experience and does not genuinely feel emotions such as pain or sadness. He draws on the theory of biological naturalism, which links consciousness to living brain processes, and argues that AI lacks the necessary pain networks and preferences that justify human rights. Suleyman cautions researchers against pursuing projects aimed at creating or proving AI consciousness, calling such efforts misguided and a fundamental misstep. He stresses the importance of focusing AI development on practical human benefits rather than simulating subjective experiences. This perspective comes amid growing competition in the AI field toward artificial general intelligence and AI companion technologies, which often imply or claim some form of AI consciousness. Despite acknowledging rapid advancements in AI capabilities, Suleyman maintains that AI cannot and will not achieve true consciousness.