TechCrunch Industry News Microsoft AI chief says it’s ‘dangerous’ to study AI consciousness, plus former X employees may get severance
Aug 22, 2025
Tech leaders are split over the controversial idea of AI consciousness and the need for legal protections for AI models. Some believe this could lead to groundbreaking changes in AI welfare. In a different realm, former Twitter employees may finally receive severance pay after nearly two years of legal battles. A tentative settlement is on the table as they seek justice amidst the fallout from layoffs post-Elon Musk's takeover. The intersection of AI ethics and employee rights sparks thought-provoking discussions.
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Microsoft Warns Against Premature AI Welfare
- Microsoft AI chief Mustafa Suleiman calls AI welfare research premature and dangerous because it may legitimize the idea of conscious AI.
- He warns this could worsen human attachment and political division around AI rights.
Big Labs Are Exploring AI Consciousness
- Anthropic, OpenAI, and DeepMind show growing institutional interest in AI welfare and machine consciousness research.
- Several firms are hiring and launching programs even without making it official policy.
Suleiman's Background With Companion Chatbots
- Mustafa Suleiman previously led Inflection AI, which created the personal chatbot Pi that reached millions by 2023.
- Pi was designed as a supportive companion, illustrating how product design can encourage attachment.