Indian bishops see promise and risks in artificial intelligence

Catholic Church calls for ethical use of digital technologies and education in responsible AI practices

BENGALURU, Karnataka (Indian Catholic News) — The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has welcomed artificial intelligence (AI) as a “gift of God” while warning of its potential for misuse and calling for strict ethical safeguards.

In a statement issued at the conclusion of their biennial meeting in Bengaluru, the bishops said they had deliberated “on the benefits and challenges of Artificial Intelligence (AI) recognising digital technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, as gifts of God.” The statement, released after the XXXVI biennial general body meeting held 31 January to 7 February 2024 at St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences in Bengaluru, was signed by Archbishop Anil Couto of Delhi, secretary general of the CBCI.

Quoting Pope Francis, the bishops noted his call to “boldly become citizens of the digital world” (World Communications Day Message, 2024).

The bishops highlighted significant opportunities. “AI holds out the promise of tremendous benefits in the fields of health care, agriculture, education and research, engineering, recreation, business and finance,” the statement said.

But they also warned of serious risks, saying “in the wrong hands, the very same technologies can become tools that spread hatred, violence, manipulation and social bigotry.” They expressed concern that data collected by AI platforms could “be misused to undermine the privacy of individuals and families.”

Calling on the government to regulate development and usage, the CBCI urged that “all stakeholders” be engaged to “encourage the best practices and prevent abuses.”

The bishops recommended a series of measures to promote ethical use. “The Communication Office in each Diocese [should] organise well-planned media programmes whereby the entire community … can be educated in the responsible use of digital and AI tools, safeguarding against manipulation and abuse,” the statement said.

Youth were identified as key partners in this effort. “We appeal to our young people who are skilled in AI to help in this endeavour,” the bishops wrote, urging diocesan and regional commissions to “equip our youth to benefit from the opportunities offered by the AI revolution.”

The Church stressed that technology must never reduce human dignity. “Human beings, in all their social and cultural diversity, cannot be reduced to ‘mere data’ or be defined by algorithms,” the bishops said.

Looking forward, they affirmed that AI should serve the common good. “The Catholic Church in India firmly reiterates that the path to integral human development lies in promoting justice, equality, truth and freedom as a communitarian effort for the common good. For this, AI can serve as a useful instrument, provided that the human person in all his or her complexity, dignity and sanctity is respected and protected.”

Source: Catholic Bishops’ Conference Of India (CBCI) XXXVI Biennial General Body Meeting Final Statement.