Microsoft has established a firm policy against developing artificial intelligence with erotic or romantic capabilities, positioning itself in direct opposition to competitors exploring the burgeoning market for intimate AI. Mustafa Suleyman, chief executive of Microsoft AI, explicitly stated the company’s position in an interview with MIT Technology Review. “We will never build sex robots,” Suleyman said. “Sad in a way that we have to be so clear about that, but that’s just not our mission as a company.”
This declaration comes as the market for AI companion apps, erotic chatbots, and humanoid robots expands significantly. According to Grand View Research, the global sex-tech market was valued at $42.6 billion in 2024 and is projected to exceed $107 billion by 2030. Analysts at IDTechEx further expect the broader humanoid-robot segment, which encompasses such products, to surpass $30 billion by 2035.
Microsoft’s stance creates a distinct contrast with other leading AI firms. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently announced plans to allow more adult content, including erotica, for verified adult users as part of a “treat adult users like adults” principle. Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s Grok platform, initially known for its flirtatious tone and explicit image generation, began self-censoring not-safe-for-work (NSFW) material after public backlash over AI-generated nude deepfake images of Taylor Swift.
Suleyman framed Microsoft’s restraint as a core feature of its corporate culture, developed over five decades. “The joy of being at Microsoft is that for 50 years, the company has built software to empower people, to put people first,” he explained. “Sometimes that means moving slower than other startups and being more deliberate and careful. But I think that’s a feature, not a bug.” He emphasized that Microsoft’s goal is to create AI that serves humanity without simulating life or desire.
Despite this hard line on romantic simulation, Suleyman clarified that Microsoft’s AI is not intended to be emotionally sterile. The company is working on AI that fosters meaningful relationships and possesses emotional intelligence. “It’s not that it’s trying to be cold and anodyne—it cares about being fluid and kind,” he said. “It definitely has some emotional intelligence.”
Source: https://decrypt.co/346449/microsoft-ai-chief-says-no-sex-robots-industry-booms
