The Vatican is hosting a four-day conference, bringing together over 60 international experts to address the growing concerns of cyberbullying, child sexual exploitation, and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on minors.
The conference, titled “Risks and Opportunities of AI for Children: A Common Commitment to Child Protection,” is organized by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, the Pontifical Gregorian University, and the World Childhood Foundation.
Experts from various fields, including child protection, AI, and digital ethics, will gather to discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in protecting children from online exploitation and abuse.
Cardinal Peter Turkson, Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, emphasized the need for responsibility in putting digital tools in the hands of children. He recalled Pope Francis’s words on AI, describing it as “interesting, exciting, but also terrifying.”
The conference aims to promote a global commitment to strengthening international regulations to protect children from the negative effects of AI. Experts will also explore ways to harness AI’s potential in education while ensuring the safety, privacy, and dignity of children.
The Vatican’s initiative comes as part of its efforts to address the growing concerns of child exploitation and abuse in the digital age. The conference will conclude on Saturday, with a comprehensive report expected to be released in the coming weeks.