The Church’s Role in Addressing AI Risks for Children
By Christine Seuss
On March 21st and 22nd, the Vatican is set to host a pivotal conference titled ‘Risks and Opportunities of AI for Children.’ This event, organized by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences in collaboration with the World Childhood Foundation and the Pontifical Gregorian University, aims to shed light on the dual nature of artificial intelligence (AI) as both a tool for progress and a potential source of harm, particularly for children and vulnerable populations.
Fr. Hans Zollner: A Leading Voice in Safeguarding
One of the key figures behind this conference is Fr. Hans Zollner, a Jesuit priest, psychologist, and one of the Church’s foremost experts on safeguarding. In an interview with Vatican News, Fr. Zollner emphasized the importance of recognizing the risks associated with AI, especially when those in positions of authority may hesitate to address these concerns. He stated, “Artificial intelligence has many positive aspects, which we all utilize, whether we know it or not. However, it also has many risk factors, especially for children, young people, and other vulnerable groups.”
Fr. Zollner pointed out that children are particularly susceptible to manipulation and exposure to harmful content, including pornography and extremist ideologies. This vulnerability is exacerbated by their limited ability to critically assess the information they encounter online.
The Double-Edged Sword of AI
While Fr. Zollner highlighted the risks, he also acknowledged the potential benefits of AI. For instance, he noted that AI can assist parents in monitoring their children’s online activities and can be employed to filter out harmful content. However, he stressed that these advantages depend on the intentional efforts of social media companies and those involved in the education and upbringing of children.
Educational Opportunities Through AI
In the realm of education, Fr. Zollner sees significant opportunities for leveraging AI to enhance learning experiences. He believes that AI can personalize educational content, making it more relevant and accessible to individual learners. Moreover, if used appropriately, AI can help identify instances of cyberbullying and grooming, allowing for quicker intervention and support.
Engaging Vulnerable Groups
A notable aspect of the conference is the active participation of young people and representatives from vulnerable groups. Fr. Zollner emphasized the importance of hearing from those who have been victims of grooming and exploitation, as their experiences can inform discussions on safeguarding measures. He stated, “This is also what our panel on Saturday is about. Protect, provide, participate. Because the idea behind it is that children and young people need to be educated and given the help they need to set themselves apart and to work with others, with their parents, with their families, with their friends, to defend themselves if they know or if they sense that something is going very wrong.”
The conference will also feature government officials, police representatives, and technology company leaders. Fr. Zollner underscored the shared responsibility of tech executives to prioritize the protection of vulnerable individuals in the digital landscape.
A Long-Term Commitment to Child Protection
Fr. Zollner’s commitment to child protection is not new; it dates back to 2017 when his Centre for Child Protection at the Gregorian University organized an international conference that led to the ‘Declaration on the Dignity of the Child in the Digital World.’ He views the upcoming conference as a continuation of this vital work, emphasizing the need for ongoing research and collaboration across various disciplines, including science and ethics.
The involvement of high-ranking officials, such as Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, further illustrates the Vatican’s commitment to addressing the challenges posed by AI. Fr. Zollner remarked, “I think that this conference is an important sign that we in the Church continue to be committed to a sector of life that is very important for all people, and reaches practically everyone in this world.”
The Moral Responsibility of Society
Fr. Zollner’s insights serve as a reminder of the moral responsibility that society holds in creating a safer virtual environment. He urged that it is crucial for political leaders and decision-makers to acknowledge the negative aspects of AI, especially when they may be reluctant to do so. The Church, he believes, has a vital role to play in advocating for the protection of children and vulnerable individuals in the face of rapidly advancing technology.
As the conference unfolds, the discussions led by Fr. Zollner and other experts will undoubtedly contribute to a deeper understanding of how to navigate the complexities of AI while safeguarding the well-being of future generations.
