Devendra Kumar
Cisco Systems, along with Microsoft and IBM, has recently signed the Rome Call, a pledge to ensure the ethical development and use of artificial intelligence. This document emphasizes that AI systems must serve and protect the dignity of all human beings, without discrimination, and their environments. The Rome Call was revealed and signed at a Vatican conference in February 2020, where Microsoft’s Brad Smith and IBM’s John Kelly III were among the initial signatories. Since its inception, the pledge has gained significant traction, with universities, UN agencies, private corporations, and non-governmental organizations joining the initiative.
The Vatican has been at the forefront of promoting the ethical development of AI, with Pope Francis dedicating his annual peace message this year to the topic. Francis has called for an international treaty to ensure AI is developed and used ethically, highlighting the need for responsible innovation. Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, president of the Pontifical Academy for Life, welcomed Cisco’s participation, citing the company’s expertise in infrastructure, security, and protection of AI data and systems. Paglia emphasized the importance of collaboration between stakeholders to ensure the development of AI that benefits humanity.
With Cisco’s involvement, the Rome Call now has a broader range of expertise and perspectives, further solidifying its commitment to ethical AI development. The signing of the Rome Call comes at a critical time, as AI technology continues to advance at a rapid pace. Microsoft’s AI-powered system, ChatGPT, has recently gained widespread attention for its ability to produce human-like text, photos, and songs. While such achievements are impressive, they also raise concerns about the potential risks posed by AI, including job displacement, privacy violations, and threats to human life.
The Rome Call aims to address these concerns by promoting responsible AI development and ensuring that the technology is used to benefit humanity rather than harm it. By signing the pledge, Cisco has joined a growing list of companies and organizations committed to ensuring AI is developed and used ethically. This collective commitment is crucial in addressing the ethical implications of AI and promoting its responsible development and use to benefit human societies.