As AI technology grows more sophisticated, Virtual Persons—AI entities with their own distinct identities—are no longer a distant possibility but an emerging presence in our everyday lives. In his book, The Emergence of Virtual Person, Dr. Siamak Goudarzi introduces us to this revolutionary concept, showing how Virtual Persons are starting to take on meaningful roles in various fields, from customer service to healthcare.
To understand how close we are to this reality, consider Sophia, the humanoid robot developed by Hanson Robotics. Granted citizenship in Saudi Arabia in 2017, Sophia represents one of the earliest instances of a non-human entity being recognized with rights akin to a person. Sophia has spoken at the United Nations, attended high-profile conferences, and even participated in interviews, blurring the lines between AI and human representation. This example sparked global debates about the rights and responsibilities of AI entities and highlighted the need for structured frameworks like Virtual Persons to regulate these new forms of “identity.”
In customer service, AI-driven “agents” are becoming increasingly prevalent. Companies like Soul Machines are developing “digital people” who interact with customers with empathetic facial expressions, voice modulation, and personalized responses. These digital agents can answer complex questions, offer recommendations, and engage customers in ways that feel almost human. While these digital beings don’t yet hold the legal status of a Virtual Person, they serve as early prototypes, showing how Virtual Persons might operate in customer-facing roles, blending AI’s efficiency with the nuances of human interaction.
The healthcare industry is also paving the way for Virtual Persons. Babylon Health, for example, uses AI to provide medical advice and consultations, helping patients around the world access healthcare. Imagine a Virtual Person capable of providing continuous healthcare support, checking in on patients, reminding them to take medication, and adjusting recommendations based on real-time data. Such AI could significantly alleviate the burden on healthcare systems, especially in areas with limited medical resources, while still respecting patient privacy and ethical standards.
Dr. Goudarzi’s vision for Virtual Persons isn’t about creating “human substitutes” but developing digital entities that can complement human roles in ways that are meaningful, ethical, and beneficial to society. In a future where Virtual Persons are recognized under legal and ethical frameworks, they could take on roles that are high in demand yet limited by human resources, enhancing industries like education, law, and customer service.
As we witness the rapid integration of AI into our lives, the question is no longer if Virtual Persons will enter our world, but how they will coexist with us. Dr. Goudarzi’s The Emergence of Virtual Person challenges us to think critically about this new era. Can we establish systems that ensure Virtual Persons contribute positively while safeguarding human interests? And are we ready to welcome our new digital neighbors with the rights and responsibilities they might soon deserve?
With these examples in mind, it’s clear that Virtual Persons aren’t just a concept for the future—they’re slowly becoming a part of our daily reality.
1. Sophia the Robot and Citizenship
• Sophia, the Humanoid Robot Developed by Hanson Robotics: Sophia was granted citizenship by Saudi Arabia in 2017, becoming one of the first AI entities to receive legal recognition. This sparked global conversations about the rights of AI and non-human entities and set a precedent for future considerations around Virtual Persons.
• Source: Stone, Z. (2017). Saudi Arabia grants citizenship to a robot. CNBC. Retrieved from https://www.cnbc.com
2. Virtual Customer Service Agents by Soul Machines
• Soul Machines’ Digital People: Soul Machines, a company specializing in digital customer service agents, creates AI-driven avatars capable of human-like interactions. These digital beings use facial expressions, voice modulation, and personalized language to interact with customers, illustrating the practical potential of Virtual Persons in business.
• Source: Soul Machines. (n.d.). Meet our Digital People. Retrieved from https://www.soulmachines.com
3. AI in Healthcare: Babylon Health’s AI Services
• Babylon Health’s AI for Medical Consultations: Babylon Health’s AI technology enables users to receive medical advice and consultations, providing accessible healthcare globally. This AI application is an example of how Virtual Persons could function in healthcare, addressing gaps in resource availability.
• Source: Babylon Health. (2020). How Babylon’s AI works. Retrieved from https://www.babylonhealth.com
4. Legal and Ethical Discussions on AI Rights
• Gunkel, D. J. (2018). Robot Rights. MIT Press.
• This book explores ethical frameworks around granting rights to AI and robots, including whether non-human entities should hold legal status. It provides foundational arguments that support the concept of Virtual Persons and expands on the complexities of assigning rights to AI.
5. Personhood and Legal Precedents
• Chopra, S., & White, L. F. (2011). A Legal Theory for Autonomous Artificial Agents. University of Michigan Press.
• This text discusses the legal theory surrounding autonomous artificial agents and makes the case for recognizing certain AI entities as “persons” under the law. This book aligns with the need for frameworks like those discussed in The Emergence of Virtual Person.
6. Public Reception and Ethical Implications of Virtual Persons
• Coeckelbergh, M. (2020). AI Ethics. MIT Press.
• This book examines public and ethical implications of AI integration into daily life, particularly around ethical boundaries and societal impacts. It provides a backdrop for understanding the ethical considerations of creating Virtual Persons with recognized identities.