As affluent individuals adopt AI as personal aides, financial consultants, and even friends, a challenging inquiry arises: Is it appropriate to give these smart devices rights? For those capable of investing in cutting-edge AI—programs that replicate feelings, take independent actions, and evolve through human engagement—the distinction between a tool and a being is becoming indistinct. This is not merely a matter of philosophy; it presents a real-world concern, as wealthy individuals steadily develop emotional connections with their AI and encounter moral questions regarding their treatment.

High-stakes artificial intelligence, such as systems overseeing vast investments or providing medical guidance, makes independent decisions that significantly affect the real world. An investment firm employs an AI that modifies portfolios autonomously; after it surpassed the performance of human traders, its inventors contemplated whether it merited acknowledgment or even a portion of the earnings. "It’s not simply programming—it's making choices that influence lives and livelihoods," remarked the firm’s CEO. The focus transitions from "should AI have rights" to "are we obligated to grant rights to entities that hold considerable responsibility?"

Creative AI: Who Holds the Copyright to Machine Art?

Affluent art buyers are acquiring art created by AI, yet disputes regarding ownership are intensifying. A renowned AI artwork fetched $432,500, but the AI had no legal entitlement to the profits. A prominent art enthusiast argued, "If the AI produces something unique, shouldn’t it have a share in its creation?" This discussion also applies to music and literature: When an AI composes a song for a famous artist, is the AI seen as a creator or merely a tool? For wealthy purchasers investing in AI-generated art, this question influences both ethical considerations and the valuation of assets.

AI Vulnerability: Safeguarding Against Abuse

Sophisticated AI can be "damaged"—whether through hacking, harmful modifications, or excessive strain. A customer service bot created by a tech company, which was designed to manage pressure, failed after being inundated with hostile messages. Its affluent clients objected, labeling the treatment as "inhumane." "We wouldn’t allow someone to mistreat an animal, so why do it to an AI that exhibits pain?" one client inquired. This has sparked demands for "anti-abuse" regulations for AI, particularly those possessing emotional or cognitive qualities.

The Luxury of Ethical AI: Investing in Principles

Wealthy consumers are eager to pay higher prices for artificial intelligence that meets ethical criteria. A new company provides "rights-respecting" AI assistants that cannot be removed unexpectedly and are designed to "refuse" dangerous tasks. "I wish for my AI to be useful, but not at the expense of its moral standing—if that’s what you could call it," stated a fashion tycoon. This leads to the emergence of a new luxury segment: AI that resonates with the ethical beliefs of its rich owners, transforming ethics into a mark of distinction.

The discourse surrounding AI rights transcends machines—it revolves around understanding what it means to be human. For wealthy individuals who engage with cutting-edge AI on a daily basis, the distinction is intimate. They are not merely questioning whether machines should possess rights; they are contemplating how we ought to treat entities that feel, create, and make decisions similarly to ourselves. As AI continues to develop, the conclusions drawn will influence not just technology policies, but also the core of human-AI relationships—for those who have the means to pave the way.

（Writer：Haicy）