AI is exploding. I explore the knotty issue of whether it's possible for humans to create consciousness in machines. What would it mean for us – and them – if it is possible?

Might AI turn on us in the night? This post takes a rambling view through what history has taught us about where our machines might get their goals.

Last month, I attended a talk as part of the excellent Federation Presents series. This one invited Sara Wachter-Boettcher, author of Technically Wrong, as a keynote speaker for a talk entitled 'Toxic Tech'.