Pope Francis urges global treaty to govern AI
December 14, 2023 – 5:33 AM PST
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) – Pope Francis Calls for Legally Binding International Treaty to Regulate Artificial Intelligence
The pope made his call on Thursday in a message for the Roman Catholic Church’s World Day of Peace, which is celebrated on Jan. 1. The title of the message, which is traditionally sent to world leaders and heads of institutions such as the United Nations, is “Artificial Intelligence and Peace”.
It came as governments around the world are seeking to balance the advantages of the technology, which can engage in human-like conversations, answer questions and write computer code, against the need to put guard rails in place.
“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,” Francis wrote in the message.
“I urge the global community of nations to work together in order to adopt a binding international treaty that regulates the development and use of artificial intelligence in its many forms,” the pope said.
Last week, the European Union reached a provisional deal on landmark rules governing the use of AI, including governments’ use of AI in biometric surveillance and how to regulate AI systems such as ChatGPT.
NEW AI APPLICATIONS
The pope’s call also came as companies like OpenAI, in which Microsoft (MSFT.O) is an investor, continue to discover new uses for their technology, triggering both plaudits and concerns. Google owner Alphabet (GOOGL.O) last week launched a new AI model, Gemini, to rival OpenAI.
Francis called for ethical scrutiny of the “aims and interest of (AI’s) owners and developers” warning that some applications of AI “may pose a risk to our survival and endanger our common home,” a reference to the earth.
“In an obsessive desire to control everything, we risk losing control over ourselves; in the quest for an absolute freedom, we risk falling into the spiral of a ‘technological dictatorship,’” he wrote.
Francis, who has often criticised the armaments industry, warned against the use of AI in weapons systems, saying it could lead to a global catastrophe.
“Research on emerging technologies in the area of so-called Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems, including the weaponization of artificial intelligence, is a cause for grave ethical concern. Autonomous weapon systems can never be morally responsible subjects,” he said.
The “unique human capacity for moral judgment and ethical decision-making” could not be left to a machine, he said, adding that “it is imperative to ensure adequate, meaningful and consistent human oversight of weapon systems”.
At a news conference presenting the message, Cardinal Michael Czerny, head of the Vatican’s human development office, said the 86-year-old pope was “no luddite,” a term referring to someone opposed to new technology.
He said the pope appreciates technological and scientific progress that serves humanity but that Francis was particularly concerned about AI because it is “perhaps the highest-stake gamble of our future”.
Reporting by Philip Pullella, editing by Gavin Jones, Alex Richardson and Sharon Singleton
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What are the ethical concerns raised by Pope Francis regarding the use of AI, particularly in weapon systems
Pope Francis Calls for Legally Binding International Treaty to Regulate Artificial Intelligence
December 14, 2023 – 5:33 AM PST
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) – Pope Francis, in a message for the Roman Catholic Church’s World Day of Peace, has called for a legally binding international treaty to regulate artificial intelligence (AI). The message, titled ”Artificial Intelligence and Peace,” is traditionally sent to world leaders and heads of institutions such as the United Nations.
Governments around the world are currently grappling with the challenge of balancing the benefits of AI technology, which can engage in human-like conversations, answer questions, and write computer code, with the need to establish regulations.
“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,” wrote Pope Francis in the message.
He further urged the global community of nations to work together and adopt a binding international treaty that regulates the development and use of AI in its various forms.
Last week, the European Union reached a provisional deal on landmark rules governing the use of AI. These rules include regulations on governments’ use of AI in biometric surveillance and the regulation of AI systems like ChatGPT.
The Pope’s call comes at a time when companies such as OpenAI and Google continue to find new applications for AI technology. While these developments have received praise, concerns have also been raised. Pope Francis emphasized the need for ethical scrutiny of the interests and aims of AI owners and developers, warning that certain AI applications could pose risks to our survival and the well-being of our planet.
“In an obsessive desire to control everything, we risk losing control over ourselves; in the quest for absolute freedom, we risk falling into the spiral of a ‘technological dictatorship’,” he wrote.
The Pope specifically cautioned against the use of AI in weapons systems, as he believes it could lead to a global catastrophe. He expressed grave ethical concerns regarding the research of emerging technologies in the realm of Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems and the weaponization of AI, emphasizing that autonomous weapon systems can never be morally responsible subjects.
He stressed the importance of human oversight in weapon systems, stating that the unique human capacity for moral judgment and ethical decision-making should not be delegated to machines.
During a news conference presenting the message, Cardinal Michael Czerny, head of the Vatican’s human development office, clarified that Pope Francis is not opposed to technological advancements, appreciating the progress that serves humanity. However, he highlighted the Pope’s particular concern about AI, as it represents a significant gamble for humanity’s future.
The call for a legally binding international treaty to regulate AI reflects the growing recognition of the need to establish comprehensive and ethical guidelines for the development and use of this powerful technology. By advocating for responsible AI governance on a global scale, Pope Francis contributes to the ongoing global conversation surrounding AI regulation and the importance of ensuring its alignment with human values and interests.
Reporting by Philip Pullella, editing by Gavin Jones, Alex Richardson, and Sharon Singleton
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