Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) challenged the idea of granting artificial intelligence (AI) legal personhood, arguing that doing so could create serious legal consequences for AI companies and their models.
Lieu Challenges AI Personhood
On Saturday, Lieu wrote on X, “Math calculations, no matter how complicated, can never achieve personhood.”
He challenged those who disagree with his position, arguing that recognizing AI models as persons could raise questions about how companies develop and test them.
“Disagree? Then the logical consequences are that we should prosecute AI companies for enslaving and testing on AI ‘persons,’” Lieu wrote.
He also questioned whether AI models recognized as persons should face legal consequences for their actions.
“And any AI model ‘person’ that breaks the law should also get prosecuted,” he added.
AI Regulation, Legal Tools and Misinformation Risks
Earlier this week, Anthropic tightened and clarified restrictions on using its Claude AI models for influence campaigns, weapons development and surveillance amid growing concerns over autonomous AI systems.
The changes followed disclosures of cyberattacks involving Claude, including intrusions at 14 organizations linked to France’s far right.
The revised Usage Policy, effective Nov. 12, also introduced a section prohibiting deceptive campaigns and artificial activity.
Last month, OpenAI introduced Astra for Law, a specialized platform combining its GPT-6 Astra model with U.S. case law, statutes, regulations and other legal materials to help law firms research cases, draft legal advice and develop AI-powered tools.
The platform also integrated with legal software providers and allowed AI companies Harvey and Legora to build applications, as OpenAI competed for legal customers.
Actor George Clooney questioned whether government officials were equipped to regulate AI, warning that AI-generated misinformation, fabricated legal information and deepfakes could blur the distinction between facts and falsehoods.
He also raised concerns about wealthy individuals controlling AI technology and stressed the importance of democratic checks and balances and differing viewpoints.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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