Spielberg on the use of artificial intelligence: There is no substitute for the soul

While the debate over the use of artificial intelligence continues in Hollywood, Steven Spielberg did not want to overly comment on its use.

The three-time Oscar winner said he is "reserving judgment on AI" because he doesn't have a clearer picture of how it is used, and that he is not ready to replace the creative actors who star in his films with artificial intelligence.

"What I don't like about AI is when it takes a position or when there's an empty chair where it should be a screenwriter. I'm not ready to replace that, because I don't believe in machine consciousness. I don't believe there's a replacement for the soul. I don't think that's something that an algorithm can invent," he said on the IMO podcast.

Although he believes that AI can be a useful tool in medicine or education, Spielberg believes that in the creative industries it should remain only an auxiliary tool.

"I don't want AI involved in that way. If AI can help me find locations, that's great. That saves us all a lot of work. But don't tell me I don't have a real antagonist in the movie, don't write me dialogue for the characters, don't dictate where the camera has to go. And don't tell me what the sets should look like, unless AI is just one of the tools in the production designer's toolbox," Spielberg added.

He also said that AI should be used solely as an aid in the creative process, not as the final decision in artistic work.

"Use AI as a tool, but don't use it as the last word in creativity. That's where I draw the line," he concluded.

The topic of the use of AI in Hollywood continues to cause major divisions in the industry, while unions such as SAG-AFTRA have supported the US administration's policy framework relating to the regulation and development of artificial intelligence.