The Vatican, in collaboration with Santa Clara University, has released a handbook on the ethics of artificial intelligence. The handbook, titled “Ethics in the Age of Disruptive Technologies: An Operational Roadmap,” aims to guide the tech industry in navigating the ethical challenges posed by AI, machine learning, encryption, and tracking. The Vatican’s involvement in AI ethics may seem unexpected, but it aligns with the Pope’s belief in the positive potential of technology. The handbook emphasizes the importance of values and principles in technology development and calls for proactive measures to ensure the common good of humanity and the environment. By providing specific guidelines and actionable steps, the handbook seeks to empower individuals within tech companies to address AI’s ethical dilemmas.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vatican releases handbook on AI ethics | Shift from lack of ethics to guidance | More ethical AI development | Vatican’s convening power |
| Vatican partners with Markkula Center for Ethics | Collaboration between church and tech | Increased collaboration on ethics | Belief in technology’s potential |
| Handbook provides guidance for tech industry | Empowering tech companies to address AI | More responsible tech practices | Lack of consensus on AI standards |
| Principles and guidelines for ethical AI | Focus on values and accountability | Integration of ethics into technology | Common good of humanity and the environment |
| Tech CEOs focused on future risks of AI | Shift focus to current AI challenges | Addressing immediate AI issues | Distracting from existing AI problems |
| Vatican’s experience in addressing the apocalypse | Bridging ethical concerns with AI | Fast-tracking ethical AI development | Need for proactive approach |