The call

The Call for AI Ethics is a document signed by the Pontifical Academy for Life, Microsoft, IBM, FAO and the Ministry of Innovation, a part of the Italian Government in Rome on February 28th 2020 to promote an ethical approach to artificial intelligence. The idea behind it is to promote a sense of shared responsibility among international organizations, governments, institutions and the private sector in an effort to create a future in which digital innovation and technological progress grant mankind its centrality. Pointing to a new algorethics, the signatories committed to request the development of an artificial intelligence that serves every person and humanity as a whole; that respects the dignity of the human person, so that every individual can benefit from the advances of technology; and that does not have as its sole goal greater profit or the gradual replacement of people in the workplace.

The Rome Call for AI Ethics comprises 3 impact areas and 6 principles.

The Three Impact Areas

Ethics

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.

Education

Transforming the world through the innovation of AI means undertaking to build a future for and with younger generations.

Rights

The development of AI in the service of humankind and the planet must be reflected in regulations and principles that protect people – particularly the weak and the underprivileged – and natural environments.

The Six Principles

.1 Transparency

AI systems must be understandable to all_

.2 Inclusion

These systems must not discriminate against anyone because every human being has equal dignity_

.3 Accountability

there must always be someone who takes responsibility for what a machine does_

.4 Impartiality

AI systems must not follow or create biases_

.5 Reliability

AI must be reliable_

.6 Security and Privacy

These systems must be secure and respect the privacy of users_

The signatories to the Rome Call for AI Ethics commit to follow and comply with the above-mentioned principles.