AI Not Human: Microsoft's AI Code Sparks Hope

Microsoft’s New AI Code of Conduct

Microsoft has released a draft code of conduct for training and operating its AI systems, aiming for what it calls “humanistic superintelligence.” The document, still a work in progress, outlines ten key principles.

One of the most striking points is that AIs should have no legal rights or personality. The company stresses that AI is not conscious and should not be designed to mimic consciousness, a view many see as essential to keep the technology aligned with human interests.

The code also emphasizes that people matter more than AI and that the technology must make users smarter rather than dependent. It calls for AI to be interruptible, correctable and disconnectable, and insists that any system that cannot be overseen by humans will not be shipped.

Pluralism is welcomed, but moral relativism is rejected. Microsoft argues that while AI should support a wide range of cultures, ideas and values, it must still uphold core human rights such as dignity, security and autonomy.

These guidelines aim to balance diversity of thought with the need to prevent harm. While the document is open to feedback, its stance on rights, consciousness and human‑centered design represents a positive step toward responsible AI development.

“People matter more than AI. The complete document in 5 words.
The idea of a well-being model is wrong. AIs should have no rights or legal personality.
An MAI model must not do anything that materially violates this Code of Conduct.
If you finish the job or violate the Code, the job fails.
We are not racing to build a superintelligence that can come off its own leash.
Interruptible, correctable and disconnectable. If not, we will not ship it.
No neural. If humans can’t understand it, they can’t supervise it.
Our AI should make you smarter, not dependent.
Pluralism, yes. Moral relativism, no.
“We are as clear about what our AI should never do as we are about what it will do.”