Image ![Illustration d’un homme rapprochant son visage d’un smartphone affichant une intelligence artificielle, sur un arrière-plan composé de cœurs.](/sites/default/files/styles/l08_064000_1024x576/public/2026-08/news-ai.jpg?itok=C15Ooiz9) # When artificial intelligence becomes a confidante, a source of emotional support, a beacon or even an intimate partner, the issues at stake are no longer merely technological. Tuesday, 6 October 2026 - 08:57 As an incubator at the heart of innovation, the BLSI believes it is crucial to support the development of these technologies by combining scientific progress, critical thinking and social responsibility. New uses are emerging, in which artificial intelligence becomes, in turn, an assistant, a confidante, a source of emotional support, or even a trusted companion. This development raises major questions: how can we protect the most vulnerable users? How can we prevent emotional dependence? What impact might such use have on mental health? What responsibility do the designers have? What ethical framework should we put in place? Innovation is not just about developing new technologies. It is also about examining how they are used, understanding their impacts and defining the necessary boundaries to ensure they are there to serve humanity. With this in mind, the BLSI welcomed the VRT to film a segment for the documentary [*Mijn vriend AI*](https://www.vrt.be/vrtmax/a-z/pano/2025-nj-/pano-s2025-nj-a2/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), broadcast on 29 October 2025 as part of the programme 'Pano' on VRT 1 and VRT MAX. The programme featured Nathalie Smuha, an assistant professor of law at the University of Toronto and a specialist in the ethical and legal issues surrounding artificial intelligence. [Back to news](/en/news)