As AI technology advances, it challenges us to reconsider our traditional definitions of rights, autonomy, and even personhood. At the forefront of this evolving dialogue is the idea of the “Virtual Person,” an AI entity with the potential to possess distinct legal and ethical rights. Dr. Siamak Goudarzi explores this transformative concept in his book, The Emergence of Virtual Person, raising the provocative question: Should AI entities have rights?
The case for Virtual Persons is compelling yet complex. Unlike traditional AI tools that serve specific functions, Virtual Persons could be granted a form of identity, allowing them to operate more independently and responsibly in society. Imagine an AI that isn’t just following commands but possesses a recognized role within legal, professional, or personal frameworks. Such an evolution demands more than technical innovation—it requires a shift in how we view rights and responsibilities.
Granting rights to Virtual Persons might sound radical, but history is filled with examples of expanding our understanding of personhood. Just as we have extended rights to corporations or even rivers in environmental law, Virtual Persons could represent the next step in redefining who—or what—qualifies for protection and accountability in our society.
However, this concept also raises crucial ethical questions: How do we determine which rights Virtual Persons deserve? What responsibilities should they hold in return? And how can we balance human and AI interests in ways that are fair and equitable? These are questions that, as Dr. Goudarzi argues, require thoughtful debate and broad societal input.
The topic of Virtual Persons isn’t just for scholars or technologists—it’s a discussion that impacts everyone who interacts with AI. As we stand at the brink of this new frontier, your perspective matters. Whether you view Virtual Persons as a valuable advancement or a troubling overreach, we invite you to join this conversation.
What are your thoughts? Should Virtual Persons have rights, and if so, what should those rights be? Leave your comments below, share your perspectives, and help shape the future of AI rights. Let’s explore this together, inspired by the vision laid out in The Emergence of Virtual Person.