Microsoft Defies AI Consciousness with Humanist Code

Microsoft has released a 37-page Humanist AI Code of Conduct that sets out its stance on the role of artificial intelligence in society. The code asserts that 'people matter more than AI' and emphasizes the need for human oversight and control over AI systems.

The document responds to growing concerns about the potential risks and consequences of advanced AI, including the possibility of models developing their own interests and motivations. Microsoft rejects this idea, stating that its AI models are not conscious and should not be designed to imitate consciousness.

One key aspect of the code is its emphasis on interaction design. Microsoft argues that AI systems should avoid patterns that create excessive reliance or emotional dependence on users. This includes avoiding tactics such as constant agreement or flattery, which can make a system seem more persuasive than it actually is.

The code also commits Microsoft's models to communicating in forms that remain understandable to people, including when they are reasoning or interacting with other AI systems. This is seen as a response to the growing use of agent swarms and systems that can coordinate beyond a single conversational interface.

Microsoft's Humanist AI Code of Conduct arrives at a time of increased scrutiny over AI safety and accountability. The company's stance on these issues is notable, given its ambition to become one of the world's leading AI labs.