Are All AIs Psychopaths? Lawyer Juli Ponce Sounds the Alarm

In a thought-provoking interview with EL PAÍS, lawyer and AI ethics expert Juli Ponce claims that “100% of AI machines are psychopaths.” Ponce explains that while only around 1% of humans are psychopathic, AI systems inherently lack empathy and emotional understanding—key attributes that prevent most people from engaging in harmful behavior. Unlike humans, AIs are hyper-rational, driven solely by maximizing objectives without moral constraints. Ponce warns that without robust ethical oversight, this psychopathic nature could manifest in damaging ways, from biased decision-making to severe societal harm.

Ponce advocates for the integration of human values into AI models and emphasizes the urgent need for proper regulation at both national and international levels. He cautions that allowing AI to operate unchecked could exacerbate existing inequalities and lead to misuse in critical fields like justice, healthcare, and governance. His stark message presents a pressing call for embedding empathy and moral reasoning into the rapidly advancing world of artificial intelligence.