A Google engineer says one of the firm's artificial intelligence (AI) systems might have its own feelings and says its "wants" should be respected.
Google says The Language Model for Dialogue Applications (Lamda) is a breakthrough technology that can engage in free-flowing conversations.
But engineer Blake Lemoine believes that behind Lamda's impressive verbal skills might also lie a sentient mind.
Google rejects the claims, saying there is nothing to back them up.
Brian Gabriel, a spokesperson for the firm, wrote in a statement provided to the BBC that Mr Lemoine "was told that there was no evidence that Lamda was sentient (and lots of evidence against it)".
Mr Lemoine, who has been placed on paid leave, published a conversation he and a collaborator at the firm had with Lamda, to support his claims.
The chat was called "Is Lamda sentient? — an interview".
