Pope calls for contract to regulate artificial intelligence, warns of possible 'technological dictatorship'

Pope urges worldwide leaders to ink a binding AI agreement, alerts of potential 'tech dictatorship'

At 86, Pope Francis called for a global, legally binding agreement on artificial intelligence within an ethical framework. He urged the faithful to celebrate World Peace Day annually on January 1st.

The Pope cautioned that AI's advanced digital technologies could eventually lead to severe moral dilemmas, interference in elections, overwatch societies, and escalating inequality. These issues can potentially aggravate conflicts and hinder peace.

Despite his caution, the Pope acknowledged AI's impressive accomplishments in science and technology and its exciting possibilities. He stated that Cardinal Michael Cherny, a close aide, considered AI as "the highest-stakes gamble for future humanity."

Pope Francis' call for AI regulation is timely as EU officials recently reached a preliminary agreement on new AI laws, while a bipartisan group in the US examines a regulatory framework. What's more, Pope Francis became a victim of AI manipulation when a Deepfake photo of him in a white down jacket went viral early this year.

[Image of a mobile device displaying a hologram call on Telegram appears here]

Insights:

While attempts to create a binding international contract on AI vary internationally, some significant initiatives include:

1. The Council of Europe's Framework Convention on AI focuses on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, but criticisms remain over exceptions for private and military activities.
2. The European Union's AI Act targets AI systems across various sectors, ensuring safety, transparency, and accountability, working towards a unified regulatory framework within EU.
3. The International AI Declaration advocates for an "open, inclusive, and ethical" approach to AI development, but received mixed support from countries including the United States and Britain.
4. The Paris Summit brought policymakers and executives together to discuss the economic benefits and risks of AI, emphasizing the need for regulation but also highlighting the challenges in achieving international consensus.
5. The United States issued Executive Order 14179 to promote human flourishing, economic competitiveness, and national security, revising policies related to AI.

[1] European Commission: AI in Action 2022, 2022. [2] Vatican: Antiqua et Nova, 2021. [3] Paris Summit Press Release, 2021. [4] The White House: Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy, 2021.