Pope Francis urges governments to impose more regulation on AI

Pope Francis asked in a message to World Economic Forum (WEF) that governments and companies increase “surveillance” and “due diligence” systems for artificial intelligence (AI) applications.

“To navigate the complexities of AI, governments and companies must exercise due diligence and vigilance. “They must critically evaluate the individual applications of AI in particular contexts to determine whether its use promotes human dignity, the vocation of the human person and the common good,” the Pontiff assured the economic meeting that began in the Swiss city of Davos on January 20.

The theme of this year’s World Economic Forum annual meeting is “Collaboration for the Smart Era.”

The Holy Father highlighted the dangers that can arise from the use of these technologies if there is no specific regulation. Thus, he denounced the risk that AI would be used to advance the “technocratic paradigm,” which would cause human dignity and fraternity to be subordinated “to the search for efficiency, as if reality, goodness and truth emanated from inherently of technological and economic power.”

However, he noted that human dignity “should never be violated for the sake of efficiency.” “Technological advances that do not improve the lives of everyone, but rather create or worsen inequalities and conflicts, cannot be called true progress,” he considered.

In a message originally written in English, released by the Vatican Press Office, Pope Francis also insisted on the need to provide adequate responses “at all levels of society, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity,” from individuals to international organizations, “to ensure that AI addresses the good of all.”

“Currently, there are important challenges and opportunities when AI is placed in a framework of relational intelligence, in which everyone shares responsibility for the comprehensive well-being of others,” he indicated.

Likewise, in his message addressed to the political and economic leaders gathered until this Friday, he warned that from AI “new artifacts are generated with a level of skill and speed that often rival or exceed human capabilities, raising concerns.” criticisms about its impact on humanity’s role in the world.

He added: “The results that AI can produce are almost indistinguishable from those of humans, raising questions about its effect on the growing crisis of truth in the public forum.”

In any case, he stated that the Catholic Church has always been “a protagonist and supporter of the advancement of science, technology, the arts and other forms of human endeavor.”

“When used correctly, AI helps the human person realize his vocation, his freedom and his responsibility,” he concluded.