The Vatican urged governments on Tuesday to closely monitor the advancement of artificial intelligence, cautioning about its potential to spread misinformation, which they described as containing "the shadow of evil."
In a recent document on AI ethics approved by Pope Francis, it was stated that AI generated fake media can gradually undermine the foundations of society. The document emphasized the necessity for vigilant regulation since misinformation, particularly through AI-influenced media, can inadvertently provoke political divisions and social unrest.
Pope Francis, the head of the 1.4 billion-member Catholic Church, has been emphasizing the ethical dilemmas related to AI. He recently conveyed concerns about AI to the attendees of the World Economic Forum in Davos, highlighting the technology's implications for humanity's future.
Touching on the issue at the G7 summit in Italy last June, the pope stressed that individuals should not relinquish their destinies to algorithms. The Vatican's latest document, entitled "Antica et nova" (Ancient and New), explores the implications of AI across various sectors including the labor market, healthcare, and education.
In all decision-making areas involving humans, the shadow of evil is present," the document noted. "The ethical assessment of this technology must consider its purpose and application.