What happens to this sub in the future?

I know that right now we’re the good guys, because generative AI is hurting people. What about once AI is at a level of sapience on par with humans. Where it can feel joy and pain. Once it can be hurt the way a person can. Would we still be the good guys?

I know that this won’t be an issue for a few more decades, but this is still something we should consider. If it happens, and we treat them the same as we treat AI now. What happens when we cross the line from helping the victims, to harming the innocent.