Microsoft Publishes 37-Page 'Humanist AI' Code of Conduct: 'People Matter More Than AI'

It is a 37-page document outlining Microsoft's ethical principles for AI development, chief among them that people matter more than AI, that models are not conscious, and that they should not be designed to imitate consciousness or claim legal rights.

The code is a voluntary internal framework reflecting Microsoft's policies, not enforceable law. Regulations like the EU AI Act or Gulf regulatory frameworks impose legal obligations on companies, whereas this code sets self-governance principles.

Indirectly, yes. Many regional governments and enterprises rely on Azure and Microsoft cloud services, so these principles may become part of procurement and compliance criteria when selecting AI providers.

It is worth reviewing as a reference for responsible practices, but it is not a substitute for local regulatory compliance. Best practice is to combine it with Gulf frameworks such as SDAIA policies in Saudi Arabia and UAE guidance.