ROME (AP) — Tech giant Cisco Systems On Wednesday, Microsoft and IBM signed a Vatican-sponsored pledge to ensure that artificial intelligence is developed and used ethically and for the benefit of the common good.
Cisco Systems Chief Executive Chuck Robbins signed the document, known as the Rome Appeal, and met privately with Pope Francis, the Vatican said.
The commitment describes the main pillars of ethical and responsible use of AI. It emphasizes that AI systems must be designed, used and regulated to serve and protect the dignity of all human beings, without discrimination, and their environments. It highlights the principles of transparency, inclusion, accountability, impartiality and security necessary to guide all AI developments.
The document was unveiled and signed at a conference at the Vatican on February 28, 2020 – just before Italy went into lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic – by Microsoft’s Brad Smith and IBM’s John Kelly III. Universities, United Nations agencies, private companies and non-governmental organizations have also signed.
Francis called for a international treaty to ensure AI is developed and used ethicallydevoting this year its annual peace message to this subject.
Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, president of the Pontifical Academy for Life which leads the AI initiative, welcomed Cisco’s participation. He cited the IT company’s expertise in “infrastructure, security and protection of data and AI systems.”
Artificial intelligence has gained worldwide attention thanks to advances in cutting-edge systems such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which have dazzled users with their ability to produce human-like text, photos and songs. But this technology has also raised fears about the risks this rapidly developing technology poses to employment, privacy and privacy. copyright protection and even human life itself.
