Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) and the International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) (NYSE: IBM) have endorsed the Vatican's recent "Rome Call for AI Ethics" document in which the papacy outlined and discussed the need for ethical AI standards, or "algor-ethics," citing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
With regard to algorithms governing artificial intelligence, facial recognition software, and the healthy progress of modern technological advancements, the "algor-ethical" principles include: transparency, inclusion, responsibility, impartiality, reliability, security, and privacy.
Speaking in a separate message concerning the document, and continuing to call for regulation guided by ethical principles, Pope Francis made it clear that he's concerned about the future of humanity should artificial intelligence not be harnessed and controlled within clear universal, ethical guidelines.
"This asymmetry, by which a select few know everything about us while we know nothing about them, dulls critical thought and the conscious exercise of freedom," he said.
In the "Rome Call for AI Ethics" document, which Microsoft and IBM have both strongly endorsed, the Vatican called for tighter regulation based on secure ethical standards that maintain human rights in light of advanced technology.
"New forms of regulation must be encouraged to promote transparency and compliance with ethical principles, especially for advanced technologies that have a higher risk of impacting human rights, such as facial recognition," the document said.
According to Microsoft and IBM, neither company has been willing to do business with customers who desired to use their technology in ways that made them uncomfortable. Both have turned down potentially harmful business, especially when it comes to AI.
In addition, Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA), and Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL) CEO Sundar Pichai have both spoken publicly in support of regulating artificial intelligence. AI Now and Open AI are among various AI ethical groups to also support strong ethical standards in the development and application of artificial intelligence technologies moving forward.