Microsoft exec suggests AI agents will need to buy software licenses, just like employees
www.businessinsider.com
Are AI agents employees or tools? A Microsoft exec suggested they're new paid "seats," a shift that could reshape SaaS pricing — and spark pushback.

Buried in the story was a deceptively simple question: does your AI agent count as an employee?

At a recent conference, Microsoft executive Rajesh Jha floated a provocative idea. In a future where companies deploy fleets of AI agents, those agents may need their own identities — logins, inboxes, and even seats inside software systems. If so, AI wouldn’t shrink software revenue. It could expand it.

  • deliriousdreams@fedia.io
    61·
    7 hours ago

    If the AI Agent counts as an employee then the company “employing” it is liable for what it does.

    My guess is the argument will be that “it’s a tool”, not an employee, and therefore they take no responsibility. Though I’m sure that argument is not going to fly for very long. If your air hammer harms someone because the person operating it wasn’t using it correctly, you’re still liable.

    • village604@adultswim.fanEnglish
      51·
      4 hours ago

      What? Companies aren’t liable if the user doesn’t follow the instructions or warnings and hurts themselves.

      DeWalt isn’t liable because I was using their mini chainsaw while holding a branch with my bare hand and the saw bounced and cut me. I’m liable for being stupid.

    • gokayburuc@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
      4·
      7 hours ago

      Chain fraud activities are being carried out in chain systems like n8n, where AI agents are used together. It didn’t take them long to create systems that generate deepfake voices to sound like real people, directing users to buy a product or deposit money into an account. Many videos on this topic have surfaced in Türkiye, particularly on YouTube. If the users and system creators are to be penalized, then of course, information logs regarding these agents can be used.

      However, if this is being done to keep some agents out of the system using user license fees, it will completely backfire.

    • FaceDeer@fedia.io
      54·
      7 hours ago

      I don’t see how this distinction affects the question of responsibility at all. If anything, “it’s an employee” gives the company more room for deniability.