Pope warns about the dangers of misusing artificial intelligence

Pope Francis warned this Thursday of the dangers that the misuse of artificial intelligence could bring to peace and the survival of humanity in a message on the occasion of the World Day of Peace, celebrated on January 1.

Reflecting on technological progress and artificial intelligence, “which, on the one hand, have provided solutions to countless evils that have affected human life,” Francisco acknowledged that these advances can also cause “great suffering.”

Artificial intelligence has made it possible to “control a reality never seen before and puts a wide range of capabilities into human hands, some of which pose risks to human survival,” he said.

Therefore, he asked what his prayer would be at the beginning of the new year, “that the rapid development of forms of artificial intelligence will not increase the already numerous inequalities and injustices present in the world, but rather will help end wars and conflicts and alleviate so many forms of suffering affecting the human family.”

In his message, Francisco also warns that “technologies that use large numbers of algorithms can extract data from digital traces left on the Internet that make it possible to control people’s mental and relational habits for commercial or political purposes, often without their participation.” own awareness limiting the conscious exercise of freedom of choice”

We must remember, he argued, that scientific research and technological innovation “as fully human activities reflect decisions informed by the personal, social and cultural values ​​of each era.”

Artificial intelligence “promises, for example, savings in effort, more efficient production, more flexible transport and more dynamic markets, as well as a revolution in the processes of collecting, organizing and validating data,” he emphasized.

However, the Pope noted, the ability of some devices to produce texts “is not a guarantee of reliability and may generate statements that at first glance seem plausible, but in fact are unsubstantiated or reveal prejudices.”

“It is a serious problem when artificial intelligence is used in disinformation campaigns that spread fake news and lead to increased distrust in the press,” he said.

In addition, he explained that “the large volume of data analyzed by artificial intelligence is not in itself a guarantee of impartiality. When algorithms extrapolate information, there is always a risk of distorting it, reproducing the injustices and prejudices of the environment in which it is processed.” is generated.”

“These forms of manipulation or social control require close attention and supervision and require clear legal responsibility on the part of producers, those who use them, and authorities,” he emphasized in his message.

Another concern for the Vatican head of state is the impact that new technologies could have on jobs, as “work that was the exclusive competence of human hands will quickly be absorbed by industrial applications of artificial intelligence.”

The dangers identified by the Pope include the weapons sector with “autonomous weapons systems,” so he said it is “critical to guarantee adequate, meaningful and consistent human control over weapons systems.”

“We also cannot ignore the possibility that modern weapons will end up in the wrong hands, facilitating, for example, terrorist attacks or actions aimed at destabilizing legitimate state institutions,” he recalled.

Likewise, “the most advanced technological applications should not be used to facilitate violent resolution of conflicts, but rather to open paths to peace,” Francisco said.

“I hope that this reflection will contribute to progress in developing forms of artificial intelligence that will ultimately advance the cause of human brotherhood and peace,” he concluded.