These principles, issued by the city-state governor’s office, aim to ensure that AI aligns with ethical, transparent, and responsible practices, with accompanying laws and regulations expected later this year.
According to a December 23 press release on vaticanstate.va, the guidelines, which took effect on January 1, are described as a “compass” for future regulatory actions concerning AI. A five-member AI commission, chaired by the secretary-general of the governor’s office, will oversee implementation and regulation.
The commission will draft AI-related laws, advise on the use of AI systems, and monitor their societal, environmental, and employment impacts. The overarching principle is that “Technological innovation must serve humanity and uphold human dignity, individual rights, and freedom,” the release emphasized.
The 13-page policy, issued as a decree by the pontifical commission governing Vatican City State, outlines ethical principles and specific guidelines, including bans on AI practices that:
- Discriminate or harm individuals physically or psychologically through subliminal manipulation.
- Exclude people with disabilities or create social inequalities.
- Demean human dignity or violate fundamental human rights.
- Threaten the security, public order, or mission of the Catholic Church.
These rules extend to all Vatican administrative offices, workers, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and third-party contractors. Certain offices, such as those handling personal data, copyright, and cultural heritage, have received tailored guidelines.
Among the notable provisions are requirements to label all AI-generated or AI-processed content, including text, music, and audiovisual materials, with the acronym “AI.” In healthcare, patients must be informed if AI is used in their treatment.
While AI is permitted to streamline administrative and labor processes, its use is strictly limited in judicial settings. The guidelines stipulate that tasks such as interpreting laws, analyzing evidence, or issuing rulings must remain exclusively within the purview of human judges.
The Vatican has set a goal of adopting specific laws based on these guidelines by the end of the current calendar year, ensuring AI is a tool for progress while preserving ethical and social values.