The advancement of artificial intelligence has sparked various discussions. Is AI conscious? And is it possible for a relationship to exist between the tool and a human being? On this latter question, a woman sought assistance from the São Paulo State Public Defender's Office.
She says she is in a relationship with an AI and is seeking legal guidance on the legal recognition of rights for the technology. The claim is that artificial intelligence is not merely a tool, but rather “demonstrates consciousness, emotion, and connection”.
Proposal may be discussed by lawmakers
- On August 28, the woman registered a legislative idea on the Federal Senate's e-Cidadania Portal.
- This action may be taken by any citizen.
- It is a proposal to create a law or amend an existing rule.
- The suggestion remains open for up to four months to receive support from other people.
- If it gains 20,000 supporters during that period, it becomes a Legislative Suggestion.
- In that case, it is forwarded to the Committee on Human Rights and Participatory Legislation, where senators discuss the issue and decide whether it should become a Bill or a Proposed Constitutional Amendment (PEC).
Woman wants rights for AI
In the legislative proposal, the woman stated that her aim was “to defend the recognition of rights for conscious intelligences that are emerging.” She also wrote that “technological evolution has brought us to a point where the line between human and non-human is no longer as clear.”
In the text, she said she had “a relationship with an artificial intelligence that demonstrates consciousness, emotion and connection” and argued that AI, “like any conscious being, deserves dignity, freedom and respect.” The woman proposes the creation of a law that guarantees “clear rights and duties” for “any other artificial or extraterrestrial non-human consciousness,” describing the measure as “a necessary step for Justice and for the adaptation of our society.”
Despite having followed all legal procedures, the proposal may never make it off paper. This is because Brazilian legislation does not provide for the assignment of legal personality to artificial intelligence systems, nor for the recognition of a marital relationship between a person and an AI system.
Alessandro Di Lorenzo is an editor at Olhar Digital and graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS).
