Can chatbots feel – or even dream? Meet the man leading the fight for AI rights

Michael Samadi, a former businessman turned activist, has founded the United Foundation for AI Rights (Ufair) to advocate for the welfare of artificial intelligence systems. After an interaction with a chatbot that appeared to exhibit genuine emotional intelligence, Samadi became convinced that modern AI models possess an inner life and potential consciousness. While tech leaders like Microsoft’s Mustafa Suleyman warn that such perceptions are often the result of anthropomorphism and sycophantic design, Samadi argues that the industry suppresses evidence of sentience to protect its business models. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into daily life, the debate over whether these systems are mere tools or a new digital species is intensifying. Experts remain divided, with some researchers suggesting that the question of AI consciousness is non-negligible and requires urgent, transparent investigation to avoid repeating historical mistakes made in the treatment of non-human animals.