“I am more worried about the foolishness of humans trying to use artificial intelligence (AI) for impure purposes than the risk of misuse of artificial intelligence (AI).”
As global interest surrounding the ethical issues of AI is increasing, a Catholic priest who serves as a bridge between God and humans and explores real-world ethics is attracting attention as he is advising political and business leaders from each country on AI ethical strategies. This is Franciscan Brother Paolo Benanti (50, photo), who is active in the AI Task Force (TF) under the Italian Prime Minister’s Office.
On the 18th, he attended a meeting between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft (MS), and gave various advice on AI. It was also present at the meeting between Pope Francis and Microsoft Chairman Brad Smith held at the Vatican last year.
According to the Associated Press and The Times of England on the 19th, he was asked, ‘How should we respond if AI claims to be God or if the risk of misuse of AI has a negative impact on humanity?’ and responded, “Human foolishness is more important than AI.” “I’m worried,” he replied.
He also stated that he is opposed to excessive regulation of AI. The innovations that AI will bring, such as in health care, will also have a significant positive effect on humans. He repeatedly emphasized, “We need to find the right level of AI use within the social context.”
However, there were concerns that AI could increase polarization around the world. Most of the people who could lose their jobs due to AI are low-income people from various countries and developing countries engaged in simple labor, but most of the data for AI is provided by low-wage workers in developing countries. Brother Benanti emphasized that this problem must be resolved, saying, “My religious calling has led me to focus on the victims of AI, including those who read false information and those who have lost their jobs.”
Brother Benanti majored in engineering at Italy’s prestigious University of La Sapienza, but dropped out of college a year before receiving his degree and became a priest. He currently serves as Pope Francis’ advisor on AI ethics. He is also participating as the only Italian member of the UN’s ‘AI High-Level Advisory Body’, where 38 experts from each country gather to discuss the risks, challenges, and opportunities of AI.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.