Argentina’s AI Company Experiment Hits A Wall
Milei's "non-human corporations" bill still requires human oversight, despite promises of AI-run firms
Argentine President Javier Milei sparked global debate last month with a plan to create “non-human corporations” run by AI. In a Financial Times op-ed, he said AI agents could “exercise independent judgment in unpredictable environments” without human employees. Legal experts noted Argentina would be the first to create such a company category.
“We are open for business,” Milei declared. Historian Yuval Noah Harari pushed back, warning that more AI power could reduce corporate accountability.
But attorneys say the reality is less radical. The “automated company” is part of a bill to cut bureaucracy, and it would still require a human administrator to oversee operations. AI could be used for decision-making, but humans remain legally responsible for outcomes.”
It’s too wild a first step to dispense with human agency entirely,” said Lawrence Cunningham of the University of Delaware, who called the proposal bold. “We’re not changing the world here so much as recognising that you might run a business without any HR.”
The bill states companies would be liable for damages caused by AI. A presidential spokesperson said no investments are tied to it yet, but called it “innovative” to attract investors.
Milei is pitching Argentina as an AI hub, citing Patagonia’s energy for data centres. OpenAI and Sur Energy have announced up to $25B for a data centre.
