Latest news with #techleaders
CNN
20 hours ago
- Business
- CNN
Pope Leo calls for an ethical AI framework in a message to tech execs gathering at the Vatican
Pope Leo XIV says tech companies developing artificial intelligence should abide by an 'ethical criterion' that respects human dignity. AI must take 'into account the well-being of the human person not only materially, but also intellectually and spiritually,' the pope said in a message sent Friday to a gathering on AI attended by Vatican officials and Silicon Valley executives. 'No generation has ever had such quick access to the amount of information now available through AI,' he said. But 'access to data — however extensive — must not be confused with intelligence.' He also expressed concern about AI's impact on children's 'intellectual and neurological development,' writing that 'society's well-being depends upon their being given the ability to develop their God-given gifts and capabilities.' That statement from the Pope came on the second of a two-day meeting for tech leaders in Rome to discuss the societal and ethical implications of artificial intelligence. The second annual Rome Conference on AI was attended by representatives from AI leaders including Google, OpenAI, Anthropic, IBM, Meta and Palantir along with academics from Harvard and Stanford and representatives of the Holy See. The event comes at a somewhat fraught moment for AI, with the rapidly advancing technology promising to improve worker productivity, accelerate research and eradicate disease, but also threatening to take human jobs, produce misinformation, worsen the climate crisis and create even more powerful weapons and surveillance capabilities. Some tech leaders have pushed back against regulations intended to ensure that AI is used responsibly, which they say could hinder innovation and global competition. 'In some cases, AI has been used in positive and indeed noble ways to promote greater equality, but there is likewise the possibility of its misuse for selfish gain at the expense of others, or worse, to foment conflict and aggression,' Leo said in his Friday statement. Although it doesn't have any direct regulatory power, the Vatican has been increasingly vocal on AI policy, seeking to use its influence to push for ethical technological developments. In 2020, the Vatican hosted an event where tech leaders, EU regulators and the late Pope Francis discussed 'human-centric' AI, which resulted in the Rome Call for AI Ethics, a document outlining ethical considerations for the development of AI algorithms. IBM, Microsoft and Qualcomm were among the signatories who agreed to abide by the document's principles. Two years later, Francis called for an international treaty to regulate the use of AI and prevent a 'technological dictatorship' from emerging. In that statement — which came months after an AI-generated image of Francis in a puffy coat went viral — he raised concerns about AI weapons and surveillance systems, as well as election interference and growing inequality. In 2024, he became the first pope to participate in the G7 summit, laying out the ethical framework for the development of AI that he hoped to get big tech companies and governments on board with. When Pope Leo XIV became leader of the Catholic Church last month, he signaled that his papacy would follow in Francis' footsteps on topics of church reform and engaging with AI as a top challenge for working people and 'human dignity.' The new pontiff chose to name himself after Pope Leo XIII who led the church during the industrial revolution and issued a landmark teaching document which supported workers' rights to a fair wage and to form trade unions. With the development of AI posing a similar revolution to the one during the 19th century, Leo has suggested that the church's social teaching — which offers a framework on engaging with politics and business — be used when it comes to new tech advancements. 'In our own day, the church offers to everyone the treasury of her social teaching in response to another industrial revolution and to developments in the field of artificial intelligence that pose new challenges for the defense of human dignity, justice and labor,' Leo said in that May address. The Friday event, which took place inside the Vatican's apostolic palace, included a roundtable discussion on AI ethics and governance. Among those present from the Vatican side were Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, who has engaged with business leaders on AI, and Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, who holds the position of 'sostituto' (substitute) in the Vatican, a papal chief of staff equivalent. Earlier this week, Leo referenced AI during a speech to Italian bishops, talking about 'challenges' that 'call into question' the respect for human dignity. 'Artificial intelligence, biotechnologies, data economy and social media are profoundly transforming our perception and our experience of life,' he told them. 'In this scenario, human dignity risks becoming diminished or forgotten, substituted by functions, automatism, simulations. But the person is not a system of algorithms: he or she is a creature, relationship, mystery.' A key issue at Friday's event is AI governance, or how the companies building it should manage their need to generate profit and responsibilities to shareholders with the imperative not to create harm in the world. That conversation is especially pressing at a moment when the United States is on the brink of kneecapping the enforcement of much of the limited regulations on AI that exist, with a provision in President Donald Trump's proposed agenda bill that would prohibit the enforcement of state laws on AI for 10 years. In his statement, Leo called on tech leaders to acknowledge and respect 'what is uniquely characteristic of the human person' as they seek to develop an ethical framework for AI development.
CNN
20 hours ago
- Business
- CNN
Pope Leo calls for an ethical AI framework in a message to tech execs gathering at the Vatican
Pope Leo XIV says tech companies developing artificial intelligence should abide by an 'ethical criterion' that respects human dignity. AI must take 'into account the well-being of the human person not only materially, but also intellectually and spiritually,' the pope said in a message sent Friday to a gathering on AI attended by Vatican officials and Silicon Valley executives. 'No generation has ever had such quick access to the amount of information now available through AI,' he said. But 'access to data — however extensive — must not be confused with intelligence.' He also expressed concern about AI's impact on children's 'intellectual and neurological development,' writing that 'society's well-being depends upon their being given the ability to develop their God-given gifts and capabilities.' That statement from the Pope came on the second of a two-day meeting for tech leaders in Rome to discuss the societal and ethical implications of artificial intelligence. The second annual Rome Conference on AI was attended by representatives from AI leaders including Google, OpenAI, Anthropic, IBM, Meta and Palantir along with academics from Harvard and Stanford and representatives of the Holy See. The event comes at a somewhat fraught moment for AI, with the rapidly advancing technology promising to improve worker productivity, accelerate research and eradicate disease, but also threatening to take human jobs, produce misinformation, worsen the climate crisis and create even more powerful weapons and surveillance capabilities. Some tech leaders have pushed back against regulations intended to ensure that AI is used responsibly, which they say could hinder innovation and global competition. 'In some cases, AI has been used in positive and indeed noble ways to promote greater equality, but there is likewise the possibility of its misuse for selfish gain at the expense of others, or worse, to foment conflict and aggression,' Leo said in his Friday statement. Although it doesn't have any direct regulatory power, the Vatican has been increasingly vocal on AI policy, seeking to use its influence to push for ethical technological developments. In 2020, the Vatican hosted an event where tech leaders, EU regulators and the late Pope Francis discussed 'human-centric' AI, which resulted in the Rome Call for AI Ethics, a document outlining ethical considerations for the development of AI algorithms. IBM, Microsoft and Qualcomm were among the signatories who agreed to abide by the document's principles. Two years later, Francis called for an international treaty to regulate the use of AI and prevent a 'technological dictatorship' from emerging. In that statement — which came months after an AI-generated image of Francis in a puffy coat went viral — he raised concerns about AI weapons and surveillance systems, as well as election interference and growing inequality. In 2024, he became the first pope to participate in the G7 summit, laying out the ethical framework for the development of AI that he hoped to get big tech companies and governments on board with. When Pope Leo XIV became leader of the Catholic Church last month, he signaled that his papacy would follow in Francis' footsteps on topics of church reform and engaging with AI as a top challenge for working people and 'human dignity.' The new pontiff chose to name himself after Pope Leo XIII who led the church during the industrial revolution and issued a landmark teaching document which supported workers' rights to a fair wage and to form trade unions. With the development of AI posing a similar revolution to the one during the 19th century, Leo has suggested that the church's social teaching — which offers a framework on engaging with politics and business — be used when it comes to new tech advancements. 'In our own day, the church offers to everyone the treasury of her social teaching in response to another industrial revolution and to developments in the field of artificial intelligence that pose new challenges for the defense of human dignity, justice and labor,' Leo said in that May address. The Friday event, which took place inside the Vatican's apostolic palace, included a roundtable discussion on AI ethics and governance. Among those present from the Vatican side were Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, who has engaged with business leaders on AI, and Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, who holds the position of 'sostituto' (substitute) in the Vatican, a papal chief of staff equivalent. Earlier this week, Leo referenced AI during a speech to Italian bishops, talking about 'challenges' that 'call into question' the respect for human dignity. 'Artificial intelligence, biotechnologies, data economy and social media are profoundly transforming our perception and our experience of life,' he told them. 'In this scenario, human dignity risks becoming diminished or forgotten, substituted by functions, automatism, simulations. But the person is not a system of algorithms: he or she is a creature, relationship, mystery.' A key issue at Friday's event is AI governance, or how the companies building it should manage their need to generate profit and responsibilities to shareholders with the imperative not to create harm in the world. That conversation is especially pressing at a moment when the United States is on the brink of kneecapping the enforcement of much of the limited regulations on AI that exist, with a provision in President Donald Trump's proposed agenda bill that would prohibit the enforcement of state laws on AI for 10 years. In his statement, Leo called on tech leaders to acknowledge and respect 'what is uniquely characteristic of the human person' as they seek to develop an ethical framework for AI development.
CNN
21 hours ago
- Business
- CNN
Pope Leo calls for an ethical AI framework in a message to tech execs gathering at the Vatican
Pope Leo XIV says tech companies developing artificial intelligence should abide by an 'ethical criterion' that respects human dignity. AI must take 'into account the well-being of the human person not only materially, but also intellectually and spiritually,' the pope said in a message sent Friday to a gathering on AI attended by Vatican officials and Silicon Valley executives. 'No generation has ever had such quick access to the amount of information now available through AI,' he said. But 'access to data — however extensive — must not be confused with intelligence.' He also expressed concern about AI's impact on children's 'intellectual and neurological development,' writing that 'society's well-being depends upon their being given the ability to develop their God-given gifts and capabilities.' That statement from the Pope came on the second of a two-day meeting for tech leaders in Rome to discuss the societal and ethical implications of artificial intelligence. The second annual Rome Conference on AI was attended by representatives from AI leaders including Google, OpenAI, Anthropic, IBM, Meta and Palantir along with academics from Harvard and Stanford and representatives of the Holy See. The event comes at a somewhat fraught moment for AI, with the rapidly advancing technology promising to improve worker productivity, accelerate research and eradicate disease, but also threatening to take human jobs, produce misinformation, worsen the climate crisis and create even more powerful weapons and surveillance capabilities. Some tech leaders have pushed back against regulations intended to ensure that AI is used responsibly, which they say could hinder innovation and global competition. 'In some cases, AI has been used in positive and indeed noble ways to promote greater equality, but there is likewise the possibility of its misuse for selfish gain at the expense of others, or worse, to foment conflict and aggression,' Leo said in his Friday statement. Although it doesn't have any direct regulatory power, the Vatican has been increasingly vocal on AI policy, seeking to use its influence to push for ethical technological developments. In 2020, the Vatican hosted an event where tech leaders, EU regulators and the late Pope Francis discussed 'human-centric' AI, which resulted in the Rome Call for AI Ethics, a document outlining ethical considerations for the development of AI algorithms. IBM, Microsoft and Qualcomm were among the signatories who agreed to abide by the document's principles. Two years later, Francis called for an international treaty to regulate the use of AI and prevent a 'technological dictatorship' from emerging. In that statement — which came months after an AI-generated image of Francis in a puffy coat went viral — he raised concerns about AI weapons and surveillance systems, as well as election interference and growing inequality. In 2024, he became the first pope to participate in the G7 summit, laying out the ethical framework for the development of AI that he hoped to get big tech companies and governments on board with. When Pope Leo XIV became leader of the Catholic Church last month, he signaled that his papacy would follow in Francis' footsteps on topics of church reform and engaging with AI as a top challenge for working people and 'human dignity.' The new pontiff chose to name himself after Pope Leo XIII who led the church during the industrial revolution and issued a landmark teaching document which supported workers' rights to a fair wage and to form trade unions. With the development of AI posing a similar revolution to the one during the 19th century, Leo has suggested that the church's social teaching — which offers a framework on engaging with politics and business — be used when it comes to new tech advancements. 'In our own day, the church offers to everyone the treasury of her social teaching in response to another industrial revolution and to developments in the field of artificial intelligence that pose new challenges for the defense of human dignity, justice and labor,' Leo said in that May address. The Friday event, which took place inside the Vatican's apostolic palace, included a roundtable discussion on AI ethics and governance. Among those present from the Vatican side were Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, who has engaged with business leaders on AI, and Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, who holds the position of 'sostituto' (substitute) in the Vatican, a papal chief of staff equivalent. Earlier this week, Leo referenced AI during a speech to Italian bishops, talking about 'challenges' that 'call into question' the respect for human dignity. 'Artificial intelligence, biotechnologies, data economy and social media are profoundly transforming our perception and our experience of life,' he told them. 'In this scenario, human dignity risks becoming diminished or forgotten, substituted by functions, automatism, simulations. But the person is not a system of algorithms: he or she is a creature, relationship, mystery.' A key issue at Friday's event is AI governance, or how the companies building it should manage their need to generate profit and responsibilities to shareholders with the imperative not to create harm in the world. That conversation is especially pressing at a moment when the United States is on the brink of kneecapping the enforcement of much of the limited regulations on AI that exist, with a provision in President Donald Trump's proposed agenda bill that would prohibit the enforcement of state laws on AI for 10 years. In his statement, Leo called on tech leaders to acknowledge and respect 'what is uniquely characteristic of the human person' as they seek to develop an ethical framework for AI development.
Bloomberg
4 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Bloomberg Tech San Francisco 2025 Highlights
Led by Bloomberg's Emily Chang and Tom Giles, Bloomberg Tech 2025 brought together CEOs and tech leaders to discuss how executives, entrepreneurs and investors can navigate the hazards and multiply the opportunities in today's AI-driven landscape. (Source: Bloomberg)
National Post
09-06-2025
- Business
- National Post
Westcliff University Launches New Campus to Support Toronto's Innovation Ecosystem and Fuel Canada's Booming Tech Workforce
Article content New Master's in Information Systems Technology (MIST) Program Addresses Soaring Demand for Skilled Cybersecurity and AI Professionals Article content IRVINE, Calif. & TORONTO — Westcliff University, a global leader in career-focused higher education, is establishing its first international campus in Toronto—one of North America's fastest-growing technology hubs—to help meet Canada's urgent demand for skilled IT professionals. Ontario's tech sector is projected to add 300,000 jobs by 2030, yet key IT roles already face a 51% vacancy rate, with a 90% surge in the need for cybersecurity, AI and smart manufacturing talent. To address these workforce gaps, Westcliff is launching a Master's in Information Systems Technology (MIST) degree, developed in close collaboration with regional IT leaders to directly align with the needs of local employers. Article content Toronto is home to more than 288,000 tech professionals and the world's highest concentration of AI startups, creating a vibrant ecosystem requiring specialized training in cybersecurity and smart technology. Westcliff's MIST program equips mid-level professionals and emerging graduates with the skills essential to drive industry growth, strengthen the local talent pipeline and reinforce Toronto's standing as a world tech leader. Article content 'Toronto is a recognized force in global technological innovation, and our institution is honored to support its impressive trajectory,' said Dr. Anthony Lee, president and CEO of Westcliff University. 'Establishing a presence in Canada enables us to deepen multinational knowledge exchange while delivering the hands-on, job-oriented education that defines Westcliff. With a 30-year legacy of market-driven education, we are committed to staying attuned to shifting industry trends and integrating regional insights with global expertise. Our focus is on graduating employment-ready leaders equipped to drive advancement, contribute to their local economy and help solidify Toronto's position as a world-class technology hub.' Article content The new MIST program features: Article content Industry-Designed Curriculum: Developed in consultation with leading technology firms and local officials to ensure immediate real-world applicability. Flexible Learning Models: Eight-week course cycles with in-person and online engagement to accommodate working professionals. Innovation Sandbox: A collaborative, project-based learning environment that delivers hands-on opportunities for students to tackle real-world business challenges. Real-World Expertise: A multidisciplinary faculty with extensive industry experience in cybersecurity, AI and enterprise IT solutions. Agile, Evolving Coursework: A program structure that adapts to dynamic trends and labor force demands. The campus, located within Venture Lab 's 50,000-square-foot innovation space in Markham—one of the area's fastest growing tech hubs just north of Toronto—places students at the center of a dynamic environment that has supported over 4,000 companies and attracts significant investment. By learning in this immersive setting alongside the sector's top thought leaders, Westcliff students will gain invaluable exposure, build lasting professional connections and access career and entrepreneurial opportunities in Canada's growing digital economy. Article content 'Toronto is proud to welcome Westcliff University as a valuable addition to support our region's burgeoning tech landscape,' said Markham City Mayor, Frank Scarpitti. 'By cultivating a skilled workforce that aligns with industry needs, Westcliff is equipping future professionals with the specialized skills and leadership capabilities that will yield even more innovation and economic prosperity in our city.' Article content As a Canadian-registered institution recognized for its commitment to Ontario's workforce development, Westcliff's Toronto campus will continue to be guided by its Program Advisory Committee (PAC) of Toronto-based tech leaders to ensure its curriculum remains aligned with evolving market requirements. Article content Westcliff's Toronto campus will welcome its first cohort of students in July 2025, with information sessions and webinars leading up to the opening to help prospective students explore programs, meet faculty and tour the facilities. For more information, program offerings and enrollment details, visit Article content About Westcliff University: Article content Westcliff University Article content Article content is an innovative global higher education institution with its finger on the pulse of the international business landscape and the needs of today's employers. Founded in 1993 and based in Irvine, Calif., it offers bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees spanning multiple areas of study including business, education, technology, computer science, engineering and law. Westcliff is a California Public Benefit Corporation which affirms its dedication to operating in the best interests of its students and the surrounding community. Its programs focus on both the hard and soft skills needed to secure quality jobs in high-growth industries; it offers community and business engagement opportunities for the hands-on experience today's students require; and it provides innovative and affordable programs live online and in classrooms across the globe. Visit Article content Facebook Article content , Article content Instagram Article content and Article content LinkedIn Article content . Article content Article content Article content Article content View source version on Article content Article content Contacts Article content MEDIA CONTACT: Article content Leslie Licano, Beyond Fifteen Communications, Inc. Article content Article content Article content
