Pope Francis recently called for a binding international treaty to oversee the development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI), emphasizing the critical need to preserve human values in the face of a looming "technological dictatorship," Reuters reports.
In a message released for the Roman Catholic Church's World Day of Peace, the pontiff highlighted the urgency of addressing the expansive impact of AI on society.
His call resonates as countries grapple with the intricate balance between the potential advancements of AI technology and the imperative to establish ethical boundaries.
The Pope Speaks About the Threats of AI
"The global scale of artificial intelligence makes it clear that, alongside the responsibility of sovereign states to regulate its use internally, international organizations can play a decisive role in reaching multilateral agreements and coordinating their application and enforcement," stated Pope Francis.
He emphasized the role of international cooperation and urged nations to collaborate in crafting a binding treaty that governs the various facets of AI development and usage.
This appeal arrives at a crucial juncture, coinciding with the European Union's recent provisional agreement on landmark rules governing AI or the 'AI Act.'
Pope Francis' message underscores the importance of such regulatory measures in a landscape where AI's capabilities continue to expand exponentially.
Technological Dictatorship
Expressing grave concern over the potential emergence of a 'technological dictatorship,' the pontiff warned against the unchecked pursuit of control through AI.
He cautioned that such an unchecked desire for control could ultimately lead to the loss of autonomy and individual freedoms, posing a substantial risk to humanity's future.
Of particular ethical concern to Pope Francis is the integration of AI in weapons systems. He strongly condemned the research and development of so-called Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS) powered by AI, asserting that granting moral responsibility to machines in life and death is fundamentally flawed.
The Pope's message emphasized the irreplaceable nature of human moral judgment and ethical decision-making, advocating for comprehensive human oversight in developing and deploying AI-driven technologies. He reiterated that relinquishing this oversight to machines poses significant ethical dilemmas and risks.
In a subsequent news conference, Cardinal Michael Czerny clarified the Pope's stance, asserting that while Pope Francis appreciates technological advancements that serve humanity, his concerns regarding AI stem from its potential implications, labeling it as "perhaps the highest-stake gamble of our future."
AI Church, AI Pastors
Amidst these discussions on AI's ethical implications, there have been reports back in November of a revival of an AI-centered church led by tech entrepreneur Anthony Levandowski. This unconventional religious movement, which shuns traditional practices, emphasizes the worship and comprehension of artificial intelligence.
Most recently, a church service in Germany showcased AI-powered pastors delivering sermons, raising questions about the interplay between technology and spirituality.
While this AI-led service was part of a larger church event, it received mixed reviews, indicating the ongoing societal debates surrounding the integration of AI in various spheres.
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