Pope Francis Expresses Concern Over Artificial Intelligence Threatening Human Autonomy and Dignity

Pope Francis has expressed his concerns regarding the potential threats posed by artificial intelligence to human autonomy and dignity in a public statement presented for the World Day of Peace. The Catholic leader has highlighted the risk of a “technological dictatorship” and the dangers of losing control over oneself in the pursuit of absolute freedom through technology.

The Pope has voiced his apprehensions about the emergence of a “technocratic” and “efficiency-oriented” mindset that disregards any sense of limit, overlooking the essential understanding that human beings are inherently mortal. He has cautioned against an obsessive desire to control everything through technology, emphasizing the peril of relinquishing control over ourselves in the process.

Furthermore, Pope Francis has criticized the use of remote targeting systems in warfare, denouncing the detachment and inaccuracy that these weapon systems perpetuate. He has argued that autonomous weapon systems cannot be morally responsible subjects and that the unique human capacity for moral judgment and ethical decision-making cannot be reduced to mere programming in machines.

The Pope has also highlighted the potential risks associated with pervasive surveillance and social-credit systems facilitated by artificial intelligence, which could lead to power conflicts and severe repercussions in the form of establishing a ranking among citizens. He has underscored the importance of upholding fundamental respect for human dignity by refusing to equate the uniqueness of individuals with sets of data, emphasizing that algorithms should not dictate the understanding of human rights or undermine essential human values such as compassion, mercy, and forgiveness.

Moreover, Pope Francis has expressed concerns about the amplification of discrimination through machine-learning algorithms, warning that systemic errors could lead to injustices and real forms of social inequality. He has pointed out the possibility of artificial intelligence systems influencing critical decisions related to mortgage applications, job suitability, recidivism predictions, and the right to receive asylum or social assistance, thus raising profound ethical and moral implications.

In response to these concerns, the Pope has advocated for the oversight of artificial intelligence to mitigate the adverse impacts, particularly in terms of job displacement and economic inequality. He has urged the international community to prioritize respect for the dignity of labourers, job security, and just wages as technology continues to permeate workplaces. Additionally, Pope Francis has called for the establishment of an international treaty to regulate the development and applications of artificial intelligence, aimed at preventing harmful practices and promoting best practices to ensure the ethical and responsible use of AI.

In conclusion, Pope Francis’s message serves as a poignant reminder of the ethical and moral considerations surrounding the growing influence of artificial intelligence in various spheres of human life. His call for vigilance, oversight, and international cooperation underscores the imperative of addressing these concerns to safeguard human autonomy, dignity, and ethical values in the face of advancing technology.