The Vatican Conference on AI for Children: Navigating Risks and Opportunities
Exciting discussions are set to take place on the 21st and 22nd of March at the Vatican as the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with the World Childhood Foundation and the Pontifical Gregorian University, hosts a conference titled ‘Risks and Opportunities of AI for Children’.
By Edoardo Giribaldi
The focus of this event is on strengthening government regulations from an ethical standpoint, with an emphasis on ensuring the safety, privacy, and dignity of children. This comes at a crucial time when the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence poses both risks and opportunities for the younger generation.
Cardinal Peter Turkson, Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, highlighted the collective nature of the project and the Holy See’s keen interest in new technologies. He stressed the importance of not allowing artificial intelligence to remain solely in private hands, emphasizing the need for state involvement in regulating its use.
Addressing the Ethical Implications of AI
Professor Joachim von Braun, President of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, shed light on the risks associated with new technologies, including social media addiction, privacy violations, and the manipulation of children’s preferences for commercial gain. He emphasized the need for a new ethics of algorithms, moving beyond traditional mathematical frameworks.
Professor Von Braun also pointed out the political challenges in regulating AI, citing stalled legislation in the European Union and the importance of engaging in dialogue with major tech companies like Alphabet. The Pontifical Academy of Sciences aims to facilitate meaningful discussions in this regard.
Collaborative Efforts for Child Protection
Professor Hans Zollner, Director of the Institute of Anthropology at the Pontifical Gregorian University, commended the foresight of the Holy See in recognizing tech companies as key players in child protection. He stressed the importance of resuming and strengthening collaboration in this area, particularly within the Church’s mission to safeguard the vulnerable.
Britta Holmberg, Deputy Secretary of the World Childhood Foundation, highlighted the foundation’s efforts in protecting vulnerable children, including migrants, orphans, and homeless minors. She shared alarming statistics on online abuse, emphasizing the dual nature of technology as both a problem and a solution, echoing Pope Francis’ sentiments on the risks and opportunities presented by new tools.
As the conference unfolds, stakeholders from various sectors will come together to explore how AI can be harnessed for the benefit of children while mitigating potential risks. The Vatican’s proactive stance on this issue sets a precedent for ethical and responsible AI development in the realm of child welfare.
