AI policy: Does technology enrich our lives or endanger us?

AI policy: Does technology enrich our lives or endanger us?

The Viennese social and media ethicist Alexander Filipovic has urgently called for the future Austrian government to seriously integrate the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) into its political agenda. In an interview with Kathpress He warned that AI is a cross-cutting issue and runs the risk of being neglected in the political discussion. “AI will continue to shape our society and cannot be stopped, even by our ideas of a good life,” says Filipovic. He emphasized the need for increased competence and regulations in the field of AI. However, Filipovic considered a proposal to create a minister for AI in Austria to be excessive and instead suggested a position at the Federal Chancellery in order to adequately oversee the issue.

In parallel with his engagement in Austria, Filipovic also expressed his thoughts on the recently published Vatican guidelines for the ethical use of AI, which he described as “balanced and wise”. katholisch.at reported. The document, titled “Antiqua et nova,” analyzes the ethical challenges and opportunities of AI and highlights that technology is never neutral. Filipovic noted that the influential big tech companies currently control the development of AI, making it act as a tool of domination rather than a democratic tool. The need to democratize AI technology, he says, is more urgent than ever, especially given recent developments in Chinese AI research.

Filipovic particularly emphasized the relevance of human dignity as an ethical principle in this context, which acts as a unifying element between theological and secular discourses. The document is aimed at individuals, families, companies, institutions and governments and calls for using AI responsibly for the common good. The social ethicist sees ethical reflection on AI not just as a technical task, but as a fundamental social task that is crucial for the future of Europe and its values.