Tech giant Cisco Systems has recently signed onto a Vatican-sponsored pledge, known as the Rome Call, to ensure that artificial intelligence (AI) is developed and utilized ethically for the common good. The pledge was also endorsed by Microsoft and IBM.
The Rome Call outlines key principles for the ethical and responsible use of AI. It emphasizes the importance of designing, using, and regulating AI systems in a manner that upholds the dignity of all individuals without discrimination, as well as protecting their environments. Transparency, inclusion, responsibility, impartiality, and security are highlighted as essential guiding principles for all AI developments.
The document was officially unveiled and signed at a Vatican conference in February 2020, just before Italy implemented COVID-19 lockdown measures. Signatories include universities, U.N. agencies, private corporations, and nongovernmental organizations.
Pope Francis has been a vocal advocate for ensuring that AI is developed and utilized ethically, calling for an international treaty on the matter. Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, leading the AI initiative at the Pontifical Academy for Life, welcomed Cisco's participation, citing the company's expertise in infrastructure, security, and protection of AI data and systems.
While AI technology, exemplified by systems like OpenAI's ChatGPT, has made significant advancements in producing human-like text, photos, and songs, concerns have been raised regarding potential risks to jobs, privacy, copyright protection, and even human life.
