The Vatican has partnered with Santa Clara University’s Markkula Center for Applied Ethics to release a handbook on the ethics of artificial intelligence (AI). The handbook, titled “Ethics in the Age of Disruptive Technologies: An Operational Roadmap,” aims to guide the tech industry in navigating ethical challenges in AI, machine learning, encryption, tracking, and more. The Vatican believes it has a unique ability to convene key players in the tech industry and address these issues. Rather than waiting for government regulations, the handbook provides guidance for individuals within tech companies who are already grappling with ethical questions. It emphasizes the importance of incorporating values and principles into technology and company practices from the start. The handbook breaks down the overarching principle of “Our actions are for the Common Good of Humanity and the Environment” into seven guidelines and 46 specific actionable steps. It focuses on principles such as respect for human dignity and rights, transparency, and privacy. The Vatican acknowledges the potential existential threats of AI but also emphasizes the need to address the immediate ethical challenges posed by existing AI technologies. The handbook aims to fast-track ethical standards in design and consumer implementation, enabling companies to meet these standards ahead of time.
