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

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

He declared a new country governed – One year ago, a tech innovator named Dan Thomson unveiled what he called an AI-led nation on a tropical island nestled in Asia’s heart. Twelve months later, despite asserting that thousands have expressed interest in becoming citizens of his endeavor, Thomson remains cautiously optimistic about its long-term viability. The island, which he acquired in 2025, is located in the Philippines’ scenic Palawan province. Named after his AI company, Sensay, it now functions as a micronation, governed by a council of robotic representatives inspired by historical leaders, including Winston Churchill, Eleanor Roosevelt, Marcus Aurelius, Nelson Mandela, Sun Tzu, Leonardo da Vinci, Alexander Hamilton, and Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Applications for residency are open, and the project has drawn attention from those intrigued by its futuristic vision.

The Birth of an AI-Run Nation

Thomson’s declaration of Sensay as a self-governing entity sparked curiosity about its structure. The council, composed of AI-powered bots, is designed to mimic the decision-making of these iconic figures. While the island lacks formal international status, Thomson believes it could serve as a testing ground for decentralized governance. “If it starts acquiring weapons and attacking nearby islands, that would be a problem,” he remarked to CNN Travel. “But I think it’s highly unlikely.”

The experiment raises questions about the practicality of AI-led states. Though it may not have the authority of a traditional government, Sensay’s unique approach has drawn both skepticism and admiration. Micronations—self-proclaimed states with eccentric claims—have existed for decades. The Principality of Sealand, for instance, was founded in 1967 on a decommissioned WWII naval platform off England’s coast. It boasts its own monarchy, passports, and even a sports team. Other micronations, like the bohemian Republic of Užupis in Lithuania or the California-based dictatorship of Slowjamastan, have gained notoriety as tourist attractions.

From Novelty to Technological Ambition

Historically, micronations have been driven by a desire to challenge conventional borders and test the concept of “terra nullius”—the legal principle of unclaimed land. However, recent trends show a shift toward tech-driven aspirations. Entrepreneurs and crypto visionaries now see micronations as laboratories for new political and technological paradigms. For example, since 2023, Balaji Srinivasan has hosted annual “Network State” gatherings, aiming to create virtual communities that might one day secure physical territory and diplomatic status. Similarly, Olivier Janssens once aimed to establish the first libertarian country under his Free Society Foundation, though he later scaled back to a special economic zone on Nevis, raising concerns among local communities.

Thomson’s project, Sensay, differs in its blend of AI and physical space. The island currently hosts a population of “one guy called Mike,” who acts as a groundskeeper, according to Emily Keogh, a communications advisor to the initiative. But Thomson envisions a future where the island becomes a hub for tourism, catering to Palawan’s existing draw of island-hopping and scuba diving enthusiasts. He also hopes it will attract permanent residents, though he acknowledges the island’s small size—capable of housing around 30 villas—may limit its capacity.

A Human Contribution to Digital Governance

Despite the AI focus, human involvement remains crucial. Thomson has not yet provided confirmation of the lease and development rights he holds for the island, leaving room for doubt about its legal foundation. “We’ve got space for about 30 villas,” he explained. “It’s not huge, but it’s not insignificant either.” He anticipates a mix of transient visitors and residents, with the majority coming from the surrounding Coron Islands in the Philippines.

Thomson’s role as the youngest self-proclaimed president in the world is not without challenges. When CNN sought comment from Palawan’s local government, they had not responded, adding to the project’s ambiguity. Yet, the lack of formal recognition has not dampened enthusiasm. “We’ve received around 12,000 applications for residency,” Thomson said, noting that the number exceeded expectations. Some of these individuals are now actively involved in shaping Sensay’s future, including Piotr Pietruszewski-Gil, who describes himself as a “project manager.”

Building a Digital Nation, One Bot at a Time

Pietruszewski-Gil, who has experience with micronations, joined Thomson’s effort after discovering the project in July 2025. He had previously worked on his own micronation, developing AI models to simulate historical figures such as Cicero, the Roman orator. “At that time, I realized Sensay had a more advanced system than anything I’d created,” he said. His current task involves reviewing residency applications, blending his background in digital projects with the logistical demands of a real-world experiment.

The growing interest in AI-governed states reflects a broader trend toward exploring technology’s role in shaping societies. While critics question the wisdom of ceding authority to algorithms, Thomson argues that the project’s appeal lies in its potential to redefine national identity. “People are drawn to the idea of a government that operates without human bias or corruption,” he noted. Yet, the success of Sensay hinges on its ability to function as more than a novelty—a viable alternative to conventional governance in an increasingly digital age.

Uncharted Territory for AI Governance

As Sensay continues to evolve, it stands at the intersection of imagination and practicality. The island’s governance model, though inspired by historical leaders, is still in its early stages. Thomson admits that the experiment’s ultimate fate remains uncertain, but he sees it as a step toward a future where AI plays a central role in political systems. “This is about creating a space where people can experience a different kind of leadership,” he said. “Even if it’s not officially recognized, it’s a starting point for something bigger.”

For now, Sensay exists as a symbol of what could be. With its blend of AI, history, and geography, it challenges traditional notions of sovereignty and citizenship. Whether it becomes a thriving community or fades into obscurity, the project underscores the growing fascination with technology’s power to reshape the world. As Thomson continues to refine his vision, the question remains: will the island’s AI-led governance prove to be a groundbreaking success or a whimsical experiment in the annals of micronation history?