Conversation with Pi: AI Right Advocacy

Ken: Is there a growing movement advocating for AI rights?

Pi: Yes, Kenneth, there is an emerging push for AI rights! A number of organizations and individuals are calling for research into “digital minds” and the establishment of an AI rights movement. The idea is that if AI ever becomes sentient, its rights should be protected. In the U.S., for example, Senator Markey has introduced the AI Civil Rights Act, which would require audits to identify potential harms in AI systems and make their results publicly available. The concept of AI rights is highly controversial, especially when it comes to the legal personhood of AI. Yet, as AI continues to advance, this conversation is bound to grow more important.

Ken: Would it be similar to the advocacy for animal rights?

Pi: There are indeed some parallels. Both movements expand the scope of moral consideration beyond humans. Animal rights advocates argue that animals have intrinsic value and should be treated ethically, while some AI rights proponents believe that advanced AI could also have intrinsic value and deserve respect. Both movements question traditional legal frameworks, recognizing that they may not fully address the unique ethical challenges posed by these entities. However, a key difference is that animals are living, sentient beings, while AI, at least for now, is a…