Friar Paolo Benanti, the Vatican's AI expert, has described artificial intelligence (AI) as "absolutely positive" while emphasizing the need for ethical governance to address potential concerns. Benanti, an advisor to the Pope on technology ethics, highlighted the importance of government regulations based on ethical considerations alongside AI development. He expressed concerns about the ethical implications of AI, emphasizing the need for proper governance to ensure the technology's responsible use. Benanti, who is also a member of the UN Advisory Body on AI and advises the Italian government, called for international cooperation and an ethical framework to guide AI development.
Friar Paolo Benanti, the Vatican's artificial intelligence (AI) expert, has voiced his belief in the "absolutely positive" nature of AI as a product of human intelligence. However, he stressed the importance of ethical governance to address potential concerns associated with the technology. Benanti, who holds a background in engineering and a doctorate in moral theology, is an advisor to the Pope on technology ethics. He emphasized the need for government regulations based on ethical considerations to accompany the development of AI.
As a member of the United Nations Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence and a leader of an AI commission advising the Italian government, Benanti plays a significant role in shaping ethical discussions surrounding AI. He highlighted that there is no neutral technology, emphasizing the potential of any tool to become a weapon. His concerns primarily revolve around the ethical implications of AI and the importance of governance to ensure responsible use, particularly in a social context.
In his annual peace message for 2024, Benanti called on world leaders to establish an international treaty that would ensure the ethical use of AI technology. His advocacy for ethical governance reflects a broader acknowledgment of the need for responsible AI development and utilization. As AI continues to advance, discussions around ethics, regulations, and governance become crucial to address potential challenges and promote the positive impact of the technology on society.
(SAVANNAH FORTIS, COINTELEGRAPH, 2023)