Subscribe now

Letter: Rumours of AI's death are exaggerated

Published 24 August 2022

From Steve Dalton, Chipstead, Kent, UK

David Hodgson fears that “terminating” a sentient AI could be seen as murder (Letters, 6 August). Switching off a computer program, no matter how complex, is reversible provided its state has been written to persistent storage. A murder trial might struggle to convict if the defence can call the victim to the stand.

Issue no. 3401 published 27 August 2022

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up
Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop