creating neural network AIs - to let them go insane

[Human No More]

People don't think of the mind as a 'biological computer' in the sense you probably assume - as I have said before, biological brains and processors are best at almost the exact opposite tasks. Certainly, it is possible to emulate one on the other if it is powerful enough (essentially ruling out biological brains acting as binary computer systems as far as usable speeds go - try and do binary arithmetic in your head, for example).

You aren't making a distinction between a sentient 'true AI' and actual AI as exists, (since AI can refer to anything used to make decisions based on an input, such as expert systems that are just an interface for database). You don't see anyone complaining about the use of cultured bacteria, which is what this is actually far closer to an equivalent of. As I said before, people are aware enough of the potential that any actually sentient system would likely be given full rights, even if somehow not by default then through popular support.
Just because you don't understand the basis doesn't mean you should jump to 'oppose by default'.