Pope Francis cautioned that artificial intelligence (AI) could be dangerous for society, highlighting its “disruptive possibilities and ambivalent effects”. He urged those who would create or use AI to do so responsibly.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Francis made reference to the dangers of algorithmic bias in technology and urged people to be vigilant “so that a logic of violence and discrimination does not take root in the production and use of such devices, at the expense of the most fragile and excluded.”
“Injustice and inequalities fuel conflicts and antagonisms,” Francis continued. “The urgent need to orient the concept and use of artificial intelligence in a responsible way, so that it may be at the service of humanity and the protection of our common home, requires that ethical reflection be extended to the sphere of education and law.”
Pope Francis’ remarks align with calls from some AI experts to make sure algorithms are appropriately “aligned” during development to support human rights and other widely accepted values. Other business experts and policymakers have expressed concern that AI could facilitate the spread of fraud, false information, cyberattacks, and possibly even the development of biological weapons.
Deepfakes created by AI have featured Pope Francis himself.
A white, puffy coat reminiscent of Balenciaga went viral earlier this year in an AI-generated image of the Pope wearing it.
The Pope stated in his message on Tuesday that artificial intelligence (AI) and peace would be the focus of the 2024 World Day of Peace.
“The protection of the dignity of the person,” he said, “and concern for a fraternity effectively open to the entire human family, are indispensable conditions for technological development to help contribute to the promotion of justice and peace in the world.”
Source-CNN
