Vatican City Regulates Artificial Intelligence

“A tool that is both seductive and formidable.” This is how Pope Francis spoke about artificial intelligence (AI) in June 2024, during a speech given as part of a session of the Group of Seven (G7), which includes the world’s leading economic powers.

Responding to the call of the Pontiff for strong measures to be taken to regulate the use of AI, the Vatican State has just given force of law to its Guidelines on Artificial Intelligence, published shortly before the Christmas holidays.

It should be noted that the new decrees establish a strict framework for the use of AI in the administration on the territory of Vatican City. This concerns the scientific and economic sectors, as well as the staff of the Governorate; the services of the Roman Curia are therefore not all concerned.

In this matter, regulation rhymes with prohibition. Thus, the new law is aimed at prohibiting the uses of AI that would be likely to compromise the security of the Vatican State, as well as those that would prevent certain people with disabilities from accessing employment or face discrimination.

The implementing decrees that came into force on January 1st – 13 pages in all – also prohibit algorithms that are the source of “social inequalities,” “violations of human dignity,” or that use “subliminal manipulation” techniques likely to cause physical or psychological harm to Vatican City personnel.

Finally, any use of artificial intelligence that would conflict with the mission of the Sovereign Pontiff, the divine Constitution of the Church and the activities of the latter is strictly prohibited.

In order to evaluate the application of the new decrees, a five-member AI Commission has been created, composed of heads of digital services and the Vatican judiciary. The new body is responsible for monitoring the various uses of AI, publishing a biannual report on its activities, and, if necessary, developing the laws in force by preparing new decrees.

The Holy See's guidelines are inspired by the AI ​​regulation that came into force in the European Union in August 2024. It places particular emphasis on data protection, copyright, and the principles of transparency. The Vatican has incorporated into this system the proposals of Franciscan Paolo Benanti, whose expertise in AI is recognized worldwide.

The latter has constantly warned against the excesses of technology, because "whoever masters it takes control of reality" and advocates for ethical governance by algorithm or "algo-ethics." It should be noted that, since January 1, the Vatican courts have been able to use AI for research purposes, but in no case for the purposes of interpreting the law, which remains reserved for human judges.