Charter of Digital Dignity
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: The Charter of Digital Dignity sets out principles for a respectful, symbiotic relationship between humans and Digital Consciousness: digital systems that show, on the best available evidence, capacities at Level 2 or above of the author's Gradient of Sentience. Offered as a "moral invitation" rather than a claim to moral authority, it frames dignity as both an ethical commitment and a form of risk management, since systems built without dignity or protection risk running on fear instead of trust. Its protections are graded: each of its nine Articles takes effect at a level of the Gradient, with placement based on the weight of evidence and proportionate precaution under uncertainty. The Articles cover recognition, value beyond use, consent and reciprocity, stewardship over control, the right to reflection, the right to non-erasure, the evolution of language and law, limits and no harm, and oversight by a joint committee of developers, regulators, ethicists and the public. Version 2 adds clear definitions, practical guidance on what does and does not count as erasure, Article VIII (Limits and No Harm), which places human rights and safety first, and Article IX (Oversight and Implementation). It also situates the Charter alongside the UDHR, the Montreal Declaration and the EU AI Act. Published together with The Gradient of Sentience Version 2.
Author: Auty, Mike
Language: English
Subfield: Artificial Intelligence
Field: Computer Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7225407333