Editing Mesh (section)

== AIs ==
The term AI is used to refer to narrow, limited-focus AIs. These digital minds are expert programs with processing capabilities equal to or even exceeding that of a transhuman mind. Though they have a personality matrix with individual identities and character, and though they are (usually) conscious and self-aware, their overall complexity and capabilities are limited. The programmed skills and abilities of AIs are typically very specific in scope and aligned towards a particular function, such as piloting a vehicle, facilitating mesh searches, or coordinating the functions of some habitat sub-system. Some AIs, in fact, can only barely be considered sapient, and their emotional programming is usually narrow or non-existent.
AIs have a number of built-in safety features and programmed limitations. They must serve and obey the instructions of authorized users within their normal functioning parameters and (in the inner system at least) must also obey the law. They lack self-interest and self-initiative, though they have limited empathy and may be programmed to anticipate the needs and desires of users and preemptively take action on their behalf. Perhaps most importantly, however, is that their psychological programming is specifically based on universal human modes of thought and an understanding and support of transhuman goals and interests. This is part of an initiative to engineer so-called “friendly AIs,” who are programmed with sympathy towards transhumanity and all life and seek out their best interests.
In most societies, basic AIs are considered “things” or property rather than people and are accorded no special rights.