Vatican Warns AI Poses Risks of Poverty and Social Inequalities
A new document released by the Vatican on Tuesday cautions that artificial intelligence (AI) could exacerbate poverty and social inequalities, among other concerns, Anadolu Agency reported. The note, titled Antiqua et Nova, discusses the relationship between AI and human intelligence, stating, “AI should not be viewed as an artificial form of human intelligence but rather as a product of human ingenuity.”
The document highlights that while AI has the potential to drive significant innovations, it also risks worsening discrimination, poverty, the digital divide, and social inequalities. It raises ethical concerns about the concentration of power over mainstream AI applications in the hands of a few dominant companies, warning that AI could be exploited for personal or corporate interests or used to sway public opinion in favor of specific industries.
Additionally, the Vatican document expresses alarm over the use of AI in weaponry, noting that “autonomous and lethal weapons systems capable of identifying and targeting without direct human oversight present serious ethical dilemmas.”
It further asserts that, similar to human relationships, AI can lead to harmful isolation, which may hinder children’s development. Misrepresenting AI as a person for fraudulent purposes is described as a significant ethical breach.
