I argue that political communities are responsible for the risks entailed by artificial intelligence (AI) and for the problems it generates. I examine four areas where AI raises ethical, social, and political challenges: in algorithmic ranking and bias; in healthcare; in the possibility of artificial consciousness; and in public engagement. I conclude that the demands of responsibility are best met by democratic governance, ethical design, and anticipatory regulation across the areas that I address, in the following order. First, ranking systems developed by private corporations such as Google and Facebook shape public discourse and access to information. Sometimes they unintentionally perpetuate social biases, and perhaps only democratic governance structures within corporations could hold AI developers accountable. Second, AI’s integration into increasingly data-driven healthcare systems raises questions about professional responsibility to preserve ethical, human-centered care and to safeguard patient dignity. Third, if AI is increasingly better at mimicking aspects of human cognition, some form of “artificial consciousness” may emerge that, lacking biological embodiment and emotional experience, will challenge all cultures to rethink the grounds of human empathy and moral agency. Fourth, only equitable and inclusive public engagement can discourage ethical disparities and promote just outcomes, especially in low-income and underserved communities where governance structures are weak.