Cisco CEO Joins Tech Giants in Signing Vatican's AI Ethics Pledge

Cisco Systems CEO Chuck Robbins has signed the Vatican's 'Rome Call for AI Ethics,' joining other major technology companies like Microsoft and IBM in committing to the responsible development and use of artificial intelligence. The pledge, promoted by the Pontifical Academy for Life and its RenAIssance Foundation, aims to ensure that AI respects human dignity and serves the common good.

The Rome Call outlines six key principles for ethical AI: transparency, inclusion, responsibility, impartiality, reliability, and security and privacy. It emphasizes the need for what Pope Francis has termed 'algor-ethics' - the ethical use of algorithms in AI systems. By signing the pledge, Cisco and other tech giants are agreeing to prioritize these principles in their AI development and deployment.

Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, President of the Pontifical Academy for Life, expressed satisfaction that Cisco has joined the initiative. "The fact that a global leader like Cisco has signed this pledge highlights that AI is no longer just a matter for experts," he said. "The ethical development of AI is an urgent issue that requires commitment from all participants, including the private sector."

Why this matters: The rapid advancement of AI technologies like OpenAI's ChatGPT has raised concerns about the risks posed to jobs, privacy, and human life. The Rome Call represents a proactive effort by the Vatican and major tech companies to establish ethical guidelines for AI development and mitigate potential negative impacts on society.

The Vatican has been actively engaged in discussions around AI ethics, hosting high-level meetings and establishing the RenAIssance Foundation to support ethical reflection on emerging technologies. Pope Francis has also chosen AI as the theme for his 2024 World Day of Peace message, in which he recommended an international treaty to regulate AI development and use.

Robbins stated that the principles outlined in the Rome Call align with Cisco's belief that technology must be built on a foundation of trust to power an inclusive future. "As a global leader in technology, we have a responsibility to ensure that the AI systems we develop are transparent, secure, and beneficial to all of humanity," he said.

The signing of the Rome Call by Cisco and other tech giants represents a significant step forward in the responsible governance of AI. It reflects a growing recognition among industry leaders that proactive measures are needed to address the ethical challenges posed by rapidly advancing AI capabilities. As Archbishop Paglia noted, the pledge is an important tool for fostering a "more humane technology" that respects human dignity and promotes the common good.

Key Takeaways

• Cisco CEO signs Vatican's 'Rome Call for AI Ethics' pledge
• Pledge aims to ensure AI respects human dignity and common good
• Cisco joins Microsoft, IBM in committing to ethical AI development
• Vatican actively engaged in AI ethics discussions, plans AI treaty
• Signing reflects industry's recognition of need for AI governance