Microsoft’s AI Chief Says Machine Consciousness Is an ‘Illusion’

In a statement, Microsoft's AI chief Mustafa Suleyman asserted that the idea of machine consciousness is an "illusion." Suleyman cautioned against designing AI systems to exceed human intelligence or exhibit behaviors that imply consciousness, describing such efforts as "dangerous and misguided." Suleyman argued that the current state of AI technology is not advanced enough to produce genuine machine consciousness, and that claims of achieving this milestone are misleading. He emphasized the importance of developing AI responsibly and ethically, prioritizing transparency and safeguards to prevent potential harm. The article highlights Suleyman's stance that the pursuit of artificial general intelligence (AGI) or "sentient" AI should be approached with caution. He emphasized the need for continued research and development in AI, but within a framework that acknowledges the limitations of current technology and the potential risks associated with advanced AI systems.