Pope urged to regulate artificial intelligence and autonomous weapons

Andrew Medichini/AP

Pope Francis has called on the global community to conclude a binding international agreement to regulate artificial intelligence and autonomous weapons technologies.

Here's What We Know

The Pope spoke about the need to regulate AI in his message for the World Day of Peace. In his view, despite its potential benefits, AI carries serious risks if it is abused.

Algorithms can promote discrimination, inequality, violate human rights. Pope Francis warns against over-reliance on machines to make ethical decisions.

Autonomous weapons pose a particular danger, which can kill civilians and destabilise the situation. Therefore, the Pope calls on countries and international organisations to join efforts to develop global rules governing the creation and use of such technologies.

In his address, the Pontiff noted that the world does not need weapons that fuel conflicts and trade in them. The intentions of the creators of AI and robotics can be good, but the consequences can be dire.

Therefore, it is crucial to develop ethical principles for the responsible development of new technologies, the head of the Catholic Church said.

Source: The Register