The Vatican on Monday urged governments around the world to monitor the development of artificial intelligence, warning that the technology contains the "shadow of evil" because of its ability to spread disinformation, Reuters reported.
"Media generated by artificial intelligence could gradually undermine the foundations of society," a new statement on the ethics of artificial intelligence, prepared by two Vatican departments and approved by Pope Francis, said.
"The issue requires careful regulation, as disinformation – especially from media controlled or influenced by artificial intelligence – can be spread unintentionally, fueling political polarization and public unrest," the statement said.
Pope Francis - head of the Roman Catholic Church, which has 1.4 billion followers worldwide, since 2013 - has been focusing his attention on the ethical issues arising from the use of artificial intelligence for several years.
Last week, the pope delivered a message on artificial intelligence to the World Economic Forum in Davos, warning political, economic and business leaders that the technology raises "critical concerns" for the future of humanity.
He also spoke about artificial intelligence at the G7 summit in Italy last June and said that people should not allow algorithms to decide their fate.
A new Vatican document, titled "Antica et nova" (Ancient and New), reflects on the impact of artificial intelligence on a number of areas, including the labor market, healthcare, and education.
"As in all areas where humans are called upon to make decisions, the shadow of evil looms here too", the document says. "The moral assessment of this technology must take into account the way it is directed and used", it adds.