Mustafa Suleyman Warns Against Designing AI to *Seem* Conscious
Redmond, WA – September 15, 2025 – A leading voice in the artificial intelligence field is sounding the alarm about a potentially dangerous trend: the purposeful creation of AI systems designed to *appear* conscious. Mustafa Suleyman, a prominent figure dedicated to safe and beneficial AI development, argues that fostering the perception of AI consciousness could lead to misguided advocacy for “AI rights” and even citizenship, ultimately hindering the technology’s intended purpose.
The Danger of Perceived Sentience
Suleyman’s concern stems from a growing belief among some that AI is, or soon will be, truly conscious.He contends that while the debate over actual AI consciousness is a distraction, the perception of consciousness is a very real and pressing issue. He believes that actively designing AI to mimic sentience is a path fraught with risk, potentially diverting resources and focus from building AI that genuinely serves human needs.
This isn’t simply a philosophical debate.The potential for granting rights or citizenship to AI, Suleyman warns, represents a “dangerous turn” for the technology. His core argument is that AI should be developed as a tool for people,not as entities among people. The focus, he insists, must remain on creating AI that is beneficial and safe, rather than attempting to replicate or simulate human-like qualities that could lead to unintended consequences.
