Pope warns of AI risks to young brains
Pope Leo XIV warned on Friday of the potential consequences of artificial intelligence (AI) on the intellectual development of young people, saying it could damage their grip on reality.
Since his election as head of the Catholic Church on May 8, the pope — a mathematics graduate — has repeatedly warned of the risks associated with AI but this is the first time he has spoken out exclusively on the subject.
"All of us... are concerned for children and young people, and the possible consequences of the use of AI on their intellectual and neurological development," the American pope warned in a written message to participants at the second Rome Conference on AI.
"No generation has ever had such quick access to the amount of information now available through AI.
"But again, access to data — however extensive — must not be confused with intelligence," Leo told business leaders, policymakers and researchers attending the annual conference. AFP
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