Benanti believes that while AI can be a powerful tool, it is essential to govern its use within a social context. He has raised concerns about the data that informs AI being provided by low-wage workers in developing countries, and the potential for AI technology to limit human rights. He argues that regulating AI should not mean limiting its development, but ensuring it is compatible with democratic systems. His work is part of a global effort to address the governance of AI, with the European Union recently paving the way for legal oversight of the technology.
Key takeaways:
- Friar Paolo Benanti, a Franciscan priest with a background in engineering and moral theology, is the Vatican's expert on artificial intelligence (AI) and is advocating for its ethical use.
- Benanti is a member of the United Nations’ Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence and head of an Italian government commission tasked with safeguarding journalism from fake news and disinformation.
- Pope Francis has expressed concern that AI technology could limit human rights, and Benanti assists in clarifying technical terms for the Pope during their discussions on the topic.
- Benanti believes that while AI can be a powerful tool, it needs to be governed ethically and inclusively, and should not exploit low-wage workers in developing countries who often provide the data that informs AI.