Microsoft's AI boss Mustafa Suleyman says "we will never build a sex robot" — as OpenAI relaxes erotica restrictions for verified ChatGPT users

Mustafa Suleyman, chief executive officer of Microsoft AI.
(Image credit: Getty Images | Bloomberg)

Generative AI has evolved into more than tools that can generate responses based on text prompts. We're now seeing the technology being integrated into workflows by organizations to bolster productivity and efficiency.

Top AI labs like OpenAI, Microsoft, and Google are stretching the technology's limits beyond chatbots to AI companions, which can double up as real friends with a permanent identity something Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman refers to as an ideal utopia of a digital patina.

We will never build sex robots. Sad in a way that we have to be so clear about that, but that’s just not our mission as a company.

Microsoft AI CEO, Mustafa Suleyman

Perhaps more interestingly, OpenAI recently announced that it would allow mature content on ChatGPT for adult-verified users in December. However, Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman shared the company's stance as far as erotic and sex robots are concerned during a recent interview with MIT:

"We will never build sex robots. Sad in a way that we have to be so clear about that, but that’s just not our mission as a company. The joy of being at Microsoft is that for 50 years, the company has built, you know, software to empower people, to put people first."

The executive indicated that Microsoft is deliberately moving more slowly on this front than its rivals. "But I think that’s a feature, not a bug, in this age, when being attentive to potential side effects and longer-term consequences is really important," Suleyman added.

Instead, the company is focused on developing an AI system that can deliver a more meaningful relationship with its users. But Microsoft isn't being left out of the fold completely.

There are other places where you can go to get that kind of experience, right? And I think that’s just a decision we’ve made as a company.

Microsoft AI CEO, Mustafa Suleyman

Through its latest AI model, Real Talk, the company delivers an tool that's a bit sasssy and checky, making the user experience more fun. However, it has clear boundaries, which allows it to push back (but not in a judgemental manner) whenever you try to flirt with it. “Look, that’s not for me.”

FAQ

What did Mustafa Suleyman say?

Microsoft’s AI chief stated clearly: “We will never build a sex robot.”

What is OpenAI doing differently?

OpenAI recently relaxed restrictions, allowing verified ChatGPT users to access erotic content, signaling a more permissive stance on adult themes.

Does this mean Microsoft and OpenAI are at odds?

Not directly, but it highlights contrasting philosophies: Microsoft is emphasizing restraint and ethics, while OpenAI is experimenting with broader content allowances.

What are Mustafa Suleyman's thoughts on conscious AI?

What new features did Copilot get via its recent update?

Microsoft Copilot recently got a major overhaul, which integrated new features, including a new Mico avatar (basically Cippy with a fresh coat of paint), group chats, and the ability to push back against humans when making wrong premises about a certain aspect,


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Kevin Okemwa
Contributor

Kevin Okemwa is a seasoned tech journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya with lots of experience covering the latest trends and developments in the industry at Windows Central. With a passion for innovation and a keen eye for detail, he has written for leading publications such as OnMSFT, MakeUseOf, and Windows Report, providing insightful analysis and breaking news on everything revolving around the Microsoft ecosystem. While AFK and not busy following the ever-emerging trends in tech, you can find him exploring the world or listening to music.

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