The Ethical Challenges of Artificial Intelligence
In a recent talk in Madrid, Franciscan friar Paolo Benanti, an expert in artificial intelligence (AI), shared a concerning perspective about the ethical risks associated with AI.
He stressed that the people who control these technologies hold immense power, as they essentially control reality itself.
Benanti, who serves as president of the Italian government’s Commission for Artificial Intelligence, pointed out that the world today is dramatically different from just a decade ago, with much of our reality now shaped by software.
He urged the audience to consider how this technological shift affects our rights, particularly when it comes to the classic rights of ownership: use, abuse, and usufruct.
Technology and Ownership: A New Perspective
Benanti delved deeper into the concept of usufruct, the legal right to temporarily use someone else’s property and benefit from its profits.
He highlighted a crucial point: the values and profits generated from using these devices often don’t belong to the user but are stored in the cloud.
In other words, users might not truly “own” the benefits they generate.
This situation, he argued, could mean that those who lack control over the technology are in a position not unlike that of slaves.
This raises a fundamental question: how do we approach a reality that is so deeply influenced by software? According to Benanti, an ethical approach to technology is essential, particularly when it comes to AI, as it shapes the world we live in and the power dynamics surrounding it.
The Shifting Power Dynamics in the Digital Age
Benanti also discussed the evolution of computer technology and its impact on power, privacy, and democracy.
After World War II, technological advancements began shifting the balance of power, with a move toward decentralization in the 1970s in the U.S. and Europe.
This led to the development of personal computers, which made technology more accessible to individuals.
However, Benanti noted, the advent of the internet and the rise of a more liberalized market, particularly after the fall of the Berlin Wall, did not lead to the promised increase in democracy.
While China became wealthier, it did not become more democratic, challenging the assumption that economic growth would automatically bring political freedom.
The 2011 Arab Spring demonstrated the power of mobile phones in promoting democratic movements, but this power soon became a double-edged sword.
The rise of fake news, misinformation, and polarization on these platforms showed how technology could also undermine democratic values.
The Role of Smartphones in Our Changing Reality
Benanti reflected on how the COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the central role of personal computers, especially smartphones, in our daily lives.
During lockdowns, video calls, online banking, and other apps allowed people to continue working and living their lives, albeit in a virtual space.
Over time, smartphones have become so integrated into our reality that many of our daily activities now happen directly on our devices.
This shift, Benanti pointed out, has led to the creation of a “computer-based democracy” in the 21st century, where artificial intelligence is embedded in our smartphones.
The rise of cloud computing has concentrated power in the hands of just a few large companies that control vast amounts of personal data.
This concentration of power poses a significant challenge to both personal freedom and democratic processes.
AI and the Threat to Freedom
One of the most concerning aspects of AI, according to Benanti, is its potential to predict and influence human behavior.
The algorithms that suggest products we might be interested in are not just passive recommendations—they can actively shape the choices we make.
This raises a serious ethical dilemma: AI could undermine our freedom by subtly dictating our actions, particularly in public spaces.
These concerns underscore the need for effective governance and regulation of AI technologies.
As Benanti argued, we need to be proactive in managing the impact of AI, especially given its potential to reshape access to information, medicine, and the labor market.
If left unchecked, AI could fundamentally alter society in ways that could be detrimental to democracy and individual freedoms.
A Call for Thoughtful Regulation
Looking ahead, Benanti predicts that AI will have a profound effect on several key areas of society, particularly the job market.
Without proper regulation, the widespread use of AI could disrupt employment and deepen societal inequalities.
The future of work, healthcare, and information access all hinge on how we navigate the ethical challenges posed by AI today.
In conclusion, the conversation about AI is not just about technology—it’s about the kind of society we want to build.
As Benanti emphasized, it’s crucial to approach AI with a strong ethical framework to ensure that it serves humanity, not the other way around.
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