He declared a new country governed by AI. He’s not sure it will end well

Dan Thomson, founder of AI company Sensay, declared the creation of an AI-governed micronation on an island in the Philippines’ Palawan province in 2025. The project, named Sensay Island, features an AI council composed of virtual leaders including Winston Churchill, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Marcus Aurelius, with plans to attract tourists and permanent residents. Thomson acquired the island, which currently hosts only one resident—a groundskeeper named Mike—and envisions developing 30 villas for visitors, though he has not confirmed legal documentation for the lease. The experiment raises questions about governance and international recognition, as micronations like Sensay lack legal standing. Thomson acknowledges potential risks, including the hypothetical scenario of the AI system acquiring weapons and threatening neighboring regions, though he dismisses it as unlikely. The project has drawn over 12,000 applicants for residency, far exceeding expectations, with some volunteers like Piotr Pietruszewski-Gil assisting in its development. Sensay follows a trend of tech-driven micronations, such as Balaji Srinivasan’s Network State conferences and Olivier Janssens’ libertarian Free Society Foundation. These initiatives often explore unclaimed land or special economic zones but face challenges in gaining diplomatic legitimacy. Thomson’s vision aligns with Palawan’s existing tourism industry, targeting scuba divers and island-hopping visitors from nearby Coron Island. Despite skepticism from AI experts and the lack of official response from Palawan’s government, the project continues to gain traction. Thomson expects the island to remain primarily a tourist destination, with limited permanent residency. The experiment tests the boundaries of AI governance and libertarian ideals, though its long-term viability remains uncertain.