The Governorate of Vatican City State’s Guidelines on Artificial Intelligence
A compass to guide the journey in respect of dignity, ethics, and transparency
The topic of artificial intelligence is often “perceived as ambiguous: on the one hand, it generates excitement for the possibilities it offers, while on the other it gives rise to fear for the consequences it foreshadows”, Pope Francis said in his address at the G7 Session on Artificial Intelligence, in Borgo Egnazia, Puglia, on Friday, 14 June.
In his discourse, the Pope noted that, to varying degrees, when it comes to artificial intelligence, we are all affected by two emotions: “we are enthusiastic when we imagine the advances that can result from artificial intelligence but, at the same time, we are fearful when we acknowledge the dangers inherent in its use”.
On the same occasion, Pope Francis described artificial intelligence as an “exciting and fearsome tool”, and launched an appeal for steps to be taken towards sound policies, capable of steering artificial intelligence towards building the common good and a better future.
In response to this appeal, the Governorate of Vatican City State has developed Guidelines on Artificial Intelligence, which will come into effect on 1 January 2025, with Decree n. DCCII of the Pontifical Commission of Vatican City State, and will be followed by laws and implementation regulation.
It is the first time that the Governorate regulates artificial intelligence. It is doing so in response to Pope Francis’ invitation, in an effort to oversee the changes and direct them towards progress, respecting the centrality of people and of social justice, and highlighting ethical and transparency aspects.
The text highlights the importance of facing technological change in an informed way, in order to ensure that the benefits of artificial intelligence are distributed equitably and that the fundamental principles of sustainable development and non-discrimination are upheld, fostering universal fraternity and peace.
The new Guidelines, which are in response to the crucial need for an ethical development and use of artificial intelligence, call for the adoption of practical actions to regulate the ongoing technological process.
In this context, the Guidelines aim to establish ethical and legal principles that place dignity and human rights at the centre, to ensure that artificial intelligence is used to promote social well-being and reduce the risk of injustice and abuse. The goal is, therefore, to balance the extraordinary opportunities provided by artificial intelligence with respect for the fundamental values that protect every individual.
The Guidelines highlight the importance of a balanced and mindful approach in regulating artificial intelligence and will act as a “compass” to help navigate the future legislative journey that will regulate technological integration, with the goal of enhancing human capabilities, never losing sight of the central value of the individual. Indeed, although artificial intelligence creates enormous opportunities, it also presents risks, which the Guidelines aim to address with responsibility and transparency, outlining a framework for future regulatory actions.
The key principle is that technological innovation cannot and should never overtake or replace human beings. On the contrary, it should serve humanity, and support and respect human dignity. This approach emphasizes a balance between technological progress and respect for fundamental human values, such as dignity, individual rights, and freedom. The aim is to make artificial intelligence a resource that, if properly regulated, will be able to foster well-being and progress, without compromising ethical and social principles.
Indeed, the Guidelines express a commitment to ensure that artificial intelligence, while being a powerful technology, may be developed and used in a way that its benefits may be shared with responsibility, sustainability, and in harmony with human rights and values.
In this sense, the Guidelines are a fundamental tool for the responsible use of artificial intelligence. They are not merely a formal act, but the result of a shared effort, developed in the knowledge that, despite artificial intelligence’s potential, its use needed to be defined by a clear and precise framework.
The Guidelines also aim to prevent any discrimination that could arise from the use of imperfect artificial intelligence models, to ensure that decisions made in an automated way do not violate people’s fundamental rights, and to protect individuals from potential harm caused by the irresponsible use of technology.
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