Pope Francis has urged world leaders to embrace a global treaty addressing the ethical use of artificial intelligence, emphasizing the need for such measures in a six-page message released before the Catholic Church’s World Day of Peace on January 1,2024 which centers on AI this year.
Acknowledging the positive impacts of scientific advancements in alleviating human suffering, the 86-year-old pontiff cautioned about the potential risks inherent in granting humans a wide array of choices through technological progress, some of which could jeopardize our survival and the planet.
He highlighted AI’s threats, from spreading disinformation and interfering in elections to making critical decisions, where accountability becomes uncertain, like determining social security allocations or targeting weapons.
Warning against the pursuit of absolute freedom that might lead to a “technological dictatorship,” Pope Francis emphasized the responsibility in the design and use of algorithms and digital technologies, advocating for an international treaty to regulate AI development and application, aiming to prevent harm and promote ethical practices.
He stressed that technological advancements not benefiting humanity’s overall well-being, but instead exacerbating inequalities and conflicts, cannot be deemed genuine progress.
The rising concerns about AI have led to legislative actions such as the European Union’s comprehensive law in progress, China’s recent law specifically regulating generative AI, and US President Joe Biden’s executive order on AI safety standards.
Pope Francis himself has become the subject of various AI-generated images, including a viral one portraying him in an oversized white p
