Vatican AI laws came into effect on January 1 as the City State “deemed it necessary to establish guidelines containing general principles on artificial intelligence.”
These new regulations set strict prohibitions on artificial intelligence or AI usage within Vatican state institutions. However, they do not apply to the entire Roman Curia.
The 13-page document is in Italian, so in the spirit of global AI adoption, Inquirer Tech translated it into English via ChatGPT.
The highlights of Vatican AI laws
Article 3 of the Vatican AI regulations discusses their fundamental principles, such as:
- AI systems must ensure the Vatican City State’s security. Moreover, they must protect personal data, prevent discrimination, and promote environmental sustainability.
- Entities must supervise data handling processes during AI development to ensure correct, reliable, and appropriate results.
- Authorities must ensure this technology serves humanity by preserving human autonomy and decision-making power.
- AI development and application must not harm the Holy Father’s pastoral mission or the Catholic Church’s integrity.
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Then, the Vatican AI laws prohibit the following AI uses:
- Discriminatory anthropological generalizations
- Harmful subliminal manipulation
- Preventing people with disabilities from accessing AI
- Creating social inequalities that degrade human dignity
- Jeopardizing the Vatican’s security or promoting criminal conduct
- Conflicting with the Holy Father or the Catholic Church
Articles 5 to 13 discuss guidelines for AI applications in multiple fields, such as cultural heritage and scientific research.
The Final Provisions allows the President of the Governorate of Vatican City to appoint the Commission on Artificial Intelligence.
It will have five members with the Secretary General as its leader.
They will write more Vatican AI laws, monitor AI applications, and report potential risks to governing bodies.
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Moreover, they will remain in office for three years. Then, the President of the Governorate may renew or replace them.
These regulations come two years after Pope Francis called for the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
Also, the Philippines has pending AI regulations similar to the Vatican’s.
For example, House Bill No. 7396 proposes the creation of an Artificial Intelligence Development Authority (AIDA).
Learn how the country guides its digitalization here.