EU bishops set out 8 principles to keep AI ‘at the service of the human person’

The Catholic bishops of the European Union have called on the EU and its member states to ensure that artificial intelligence remains “at the service of the human person, the common good and peace,” setting out eight principles they want Europe to apply at home and promote abroad.

The declaration , titled “Europeʼs Responsibility in the Time of Artificial Intelligence: A Call to Safeguard the Human Person,” was adopted Oct. 16 at the close of the autumn plenary assembly of the Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) in Brussels and published Oct. 19.

“Humanity stands at a decisive moment in which technological progress must be guided by a renewed commitment to the dignity of every person, justice and fraternity,” the bishops wrote.

The bishops acknowledged the “significant opportunities” AI offers but said its rapid development raises “profound anthropological, ethical, social and legal questions.” They acknowledged the EUʼs efforts to regulate the technology. They urged Europe to act “with urgency, ambition and responsibility” to strengthen its digital capacities and take a leading role in international AI governance.

The 8 principles…