Microsoft emphasizes human-centric approach in new AI ethics guidelines

Microsoft has released a 37-page 'humanist AI code of conduct' today, highlighting the importance of human values over artificial intelligence. The document underscores that 'people matter more than AI' and asserts that AI models are not conscious and should not be designed to mimic consciousness. The company also rejects the pursuit of legal personhood for AI systems. These guidelines come amid growing safety concerns over the rapid advancement of AI models. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei recently called for a coordinated slowdown in AI development, following warnings that AI progress could outpace our ability to safely deploy and control complex systems. Researchers have raised alarms about the potential risks of increasingly sophisticated AI agents, emphasizing the need for greater oversight and control mechanisms. The release of Microsoft's code of conduct follows a broader industry discussion on ethical AI practices. Amodei's call for a slowdown reflects a growing consensus among experts that current AI development may not be aligned with long-term safety and control goals. Microsoft's stance aligns with these concerns, positioning human-centric values as central to its AI strategy. The company's approach contrasts with efforts to grant AI systems legal rights or autonomy, which it explicitly opposes. This move signals a significant shift in the industry's approach to AI governance and safety.