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Brief news summary
Pope Francis has emerged as a key voice in the debate over the global governance of artificial intelligence (AI), positioning the Vatican as the conscience of Big Tech companies. The Pope has expressed concerns about the weaponization of AI and its potential to deepen inequality and eliminate human empathy. He has called for a global treaty to regulate AI and has influenced concrete business decisions, including Microsoft's decision not to release a technology that could replicate anyone's voice. The Vatican's views on AI ethics have influenced the development of best practices and guidelines. The church's relationship with AI innovators began with a speech on AI ethics by a Vatican AI expert in 2018, leading to regular meetings and collaborations between Vatican officials and tech companies. The Vatican’s involvement in AI issues has provided an opportunity for the church to reassert its moral authority and address public-relations challenges for the tech industry.Pope Francis, despite being unable to use a computer himself, discussed the ethics of artificial intelligence (AI) with Microsoft President Brad Smith in 2019 and expressed concern over its risks. In the years since, the Vatican has positioned itself as a prominent voice in the global debate on AI governance. The Pope’s primary concerns revolve around weaponized AI, loss of human empathy, and technological inequality. The Vatican's efforts have influenced concrete business decisions and contributed to the development of best AI practices. The Rome Call for AI Ethics, supported by the Vatican, Microsoft, and IBM, is becoming a gold standard, with numerous organizations joining the cause. The Vatican has also appointed experts to important AI-related positions, such as the United Nations' Advisory Body on AI.
The Vatican's relationship with AI innovators was initiated by a 2018 speech on AI ethics, leading to regular meetings and collaboration. The Vatican's engagement with AI aims to address ethical concerns and prevent potential misuse, such as in surveillance systems and refugee processing. Microsoft, the world's most valuable company, recognizes the need to address negative perceptions of AI to sustain its success. Governments worldwide are considering regulations that could impact AI development, prompting Microsoft to actively engage with policymakers. The Pope's teachings and the Catholic Church's global reach offer Microsoft unique insights and partnerships in navigating the global AI landscape.
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