Microsoft AI Chief Mustafa Suleyman Labels Concept of Conscious AI as ‘Absurd’

Microsoft’s AI chief, Mustafa Suleyman, has dismissed the notion that artificial intelligence could ever be conscious, calling the idea “absurd.” According to reports, Suleyman believes that AI, no matter how advanced, cannot experience emotions or sensations like humans, making any attempts to create conscious AI inherently misguided. His remarks come at a time when tech companies are increasingly promoting AI companions, raising concerns about users developing unhealthy attachments to chatbots.

Speaking at the AfroTech Conference in Houston, Suleyman emphasized that AI systems are merely simulations and do not possess consciousness. His comments align with a post he wrote in August, where he warned that AI has the potential to “fundamentally change our sense of personhood and society.” By highlighting the difference between human experience and algorithmic processing, he underlined the importance of maintaining realistic expectations around AI capabilities.

A long-time advocate for responsible AI development, Suleyman has consistently argued that powerful AI technologies should be designed to serve and empower humans, rather than mimic human consciousness. He has frequently stressed that AI should be developed with ethical safeguards, transparency, and practical applications that benefit society as a whole.

In line with this vision, Suleyman introduced Microsoft’s Copilot features as examples of what he calls “humanist AI.” These tools are designed to assist users rather than replace human judgment or emotional intelligence, reflecting his broader philosophy that AI should complement human activity without creating the illusion of awareness or selfhood.