AI carries 'shadow of evil' – Vatican

Artificial intelligence (AI) can undermine the foundations of society through the creation of fakes and carries the “shadow of evil”. This was reported on the Vatican website and a document on the ethics of artificial intelligence was published, which was approved by Pope Francis.

The Vatican said that artificial intelligence can both improve life and lead to apocalyptic consequences. It should only be a tool for humans, not a replacement or source of power. It is especially dangerous to use it for destructive purposes or as a weapon.

The document states that AI can cause loneliness, “enslavement” of workers due to monotonous work, and slowing down the development of children due to programs that imitate human behavior.

The website noted that AI remains a machine and has no moral responsibility, unlike those who create and use it. Theologians whose reflections have been endorsed by Pope Francis warn that AI is incapable of feeling or thinking.

“The desire to replace God with one's own creation is idolatry. AI cannot be deified or worshipped, as this could lead to man becoming a slave to his own invention,” the text says.

The Vatican also points to an “ethical problem” linked to the fact that most of the main applications of AI are concentrated in the hands of a few large companies. This creates the risk of manipulating the technology for personal or corporate interests, as well as to shape a certain public opinion.