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Pope Francis advocates for ethical AI and human oversight at G7 summit

Pope Francis became the first sovereign pontiff to address a Group of Seven (G7) Summit, alerting world leaders that artificial intelligence (AI) must never gain the upper hand over mankind. World leaders greeted the 87-year-old Pope around a massive oval table.

During his historic address to the G7 leaders, the pope focused on the ethical implications and potential dangers of AI, defining it as an ‘epochal transformation’ for humanity. He stressed the importance of strict control of the fast-evolving technology to safeguard human life and dignity.

Key takeaways from Pope Francis’s address

-Human oversight and ethical concerns
Pope Francis acknowledged the dual nature of AI, describing it as both ‘terrifying and fascinating.’ He stressed the importance of human control over AI, particularly in life-or-death decisions, and called for a ban on autonomous weapons. He warned that allowing machines to make such critical decisions could strip humanity of its autonomy and judgment, leading to a loss of hope and human dignity.

-AI’s potential vs threats
The pontiff acknowledged AI’s potential to democratize access to knowledge, advance scientific research, and reduce difficult human tasks. However, he also cautioned that AI could deepen inequalities between advanced and developing nations and between different social classes, potentially leading to greater injustice and exclusion.

-The ‘techno-human condition’
Pope Francis introduced the concept of the ‘techno-human condition,’ describing that humans have always mediated their relationship with the environment through tools. He reasoned that this is not a weakness but a positive aspect of human nature, demonstrating our openness to others and God. The same openness is the source of our artistic and intellectual creativity.

-Call for ‘algor-ethics’
The pope emphasized the need for ‘algor-ethics,’ a set of global and pluralistic ethical principles to guide AI development. While AI remains shaped by its creators’ worldview, there is a growing difficulty in reaching consensus on major societal issues. Therefore, developing shared principles to address and resolve ethical dilemmas is paramount.

-Global collaboration and swift political action
Pope Francis called for immediate political action to address AI’s challenges and promises. He exhorted world leaders to establish frameworks guaranteeing human control over AI systems. He also explained that the goal is not to stifle human creativity but to channel it along new, ethical tracks.

Why does it matter?


The G7 summit brings together leaders of the US, Germany, the UK, France, Italy, Canada, and Japan. On Friday, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni invited ten additional countries to participate in the discussions, including the presidents of Algeria, Argentina, Kenya, and Turkey, who joined Jordan’s King, and India’s prime minister.


The event marked the first time a pope addressed a G7 gathering, highlighting the significance of his message. His address was well-received by the G7 leaders, who acknowledged AI’s potential for societal progress while underscoring the importance of responsible deployment, especially in warfare. The G7 heads of state and governments pledged to work towards frameworks that provide human oversight of AI technologies.


The pontiff’s speech highlights the critical need for ethical oversight in AI development, striking a balance between technological progress and moral responsibility. Pope Francis’s call for a ban on autonomous weapons and the development of ‘algor-ethics’ echoes a wider effort to safeguard human dignity, welfare, and global equity.

IOC implements AI for athlete safety at Paris Olympics

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will deploy AI to combat social media abuse directed at 15,000 athletes and officials during the Paris Olympics next month, IOC President Thomas Bach announced on Friday. With the Games set to begin on 26 July, more than 10,500 athletes will compete across 32 sports, generating over half a billion social media engagements.

The AI system aims to safeguard athletes by monitoring and automatically erasing abusive posts to provide extensive protection against cyber abuse. That initiative comes amid ongoing global conflicts, including the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, which have already led to social media abuse cases.
Russian and Belarusian athletes, who will compete as neutral athletes without their national flags, are included in the protective measures. The IOC did not specify the level of access athletes would need to grant for the AI monitoring.

Despite recent political developments in France, including a snap parliamentary election called by President Emmanuel Macron, Bach assured that preparations for the Olympics remain on track. He emphasised that both the government and opposition are determined to ensure that France presents itself well during the Games.

LinkedIn unveils AI-driven features to enhance job hunting and recruitment

LinkedIn is using AI to streamline the job hunting process, aiming to alleviate the task of job searching for its users. The professional networking giant announced a suite of AI-driven features designed to match job seekers with opportunities more efficiently, ensuring that both employers and potential employees find the best fit with minimal effort. “We’ve been building with AI since 2007. We use it heavily for connecting people… for defense and how we keep trust in the ecosystem. It’s one of our most powerful tools,” its head of product, Tomer Cohen, said in an interview.

What is new?

Central to LinkedIn’s new offerings is an AI-powered recommendation engine that analyses user profiles, past job searches, and application history to suggest relevant job openings. The tool not only personalizes job recommendations but also learns from user interactions to refine its suggestions over time. LinkedIn’s goal is to significantly reduce the time and effort required for job seekers to find suitable roles, increasing the chances of matching them with positions that align closely with their skills and career aspirations.

LinkedIn is also rolling out AI tools designed to assist users in crafting more effective resumes and cover letters. These tools provide real-time feedback, highlighting key areas for improvement and suggesting changes to better align documents with job descriptions. By leveraging natural language processing, LinkedIn aims to help job seekers present their qualifications in the best possible light, ultimately increasing their chances of securing interviews.

To further support job seekers, LinkedIn is introducing AI-enhanced skill assessments and training modules. These features allow users to identify gaps in their skill sets and access personalized learning resources to address these deficiencies. The AI system recommends specific courses and certifications that can improve a user’s profile, making them more attractive to potential employers.

In addition to its AI-driven tools, LinkedIn is expanding the availability of Recruiter 2024, a comprehensive recruitment platform that leverages AI to help companies find and engage top talent more effectively. The platform will now include more tools for marketers, enabling them to reach and connect with their target audiences more efficiently. LinkedIn is also introducing enhanced premium company pages for small businesses, providing them with advanced features to showcase their brand and attract potential employees.

Why does it matter?

That move highlights the transformative potential of AI in professional networking. While job markets are becoming more competitive and fast-paced, LinkedIn’s embrace of AI technology represents a significant step in making the job hunting process more efficient and effective for both job seekers and employers:

  • Efficiency and personalization: AI-driven features can drastically reduce the time and effort required for job seekers to find relevant positions, leading to a more personalized and efficient job search experience.
  • Competitive edge: By assisting users in creating more compelling resumes and cover letters, LinkedIn’s AI tools can give job seekers a competitive edge in the increasingly crowded job market.
  • Skills development: The focus on personalized skill assessments and training can help job seekers stay relevant in their fields, addressing the skills gap that many industries face today.
  • Employer benefits: For employers, these AI-driven tools can lead to better job matches, reducing turnover and ensuring that new hires are well-suited for their roles.

 

Microsoft delays AI ‘Recall’ feature amid privacy concerns

Microsoft has decided to delay the rollout of its AI-powered ‘Recall’ feature, which tracks and stores computer usage histories, citing privacy concerns. Initially planned for launch with new computers next week, Recall will now undergo a preview phase within its Windows Insider Program (WIP) in the coming weeks rather than being widely available to Copilot+ PC users starting 18 June.

The Recall feature, designed to record everything from web browsing to voice chats for later retrieval, aims to help users remember past activities even months later. Microsoft emphasised that the delay is part of their commitment to ensuring a trusted and secure customer experience, seeking additional feedback before a broader release.

Copilot+ PCs, introduced in May, integrate AI capabilities and were set to include Recall as a key feature. The WIP, which allows enthusiastic users to test upcoming Windows features, will play a crucial role in gathering feedback on Recall before its eventual wider availability.

Privacy concerns surfaced swiftly after Recall’s announcement, with critics suggesting potential misuse for surveillance purposes. Elon Musk likened the feature to a scenario from the dystopian TV series ‘Black Mirror’, reflecting broader anxieties about the implications of pervasive technology on personal privacy and security.

Spotify unveils in-house creative agency, trials AI voiceover ads

Spotify has unveiled Creative Labs, an in-house advertising agency designed to assist brands in creating effective audio and visual ads on its platform, in-app digital experiences, and interactive formats like call-to-action cards (CTA). That initiative aims to streamline the ad creation process for advertisers, providing them with tools and expertise to craft compelling content tailored for Spotify’s vast user base. Creative Labs will offer a range of services, including concept development, production, and analytics, ensuring that advertisers can effectively reach their target audiences through engaging, high-quality ads. 

In addition, Spotify will begin testing generative AI ads and is developing ‘Quick Audio,’ a tool enabling advertisers to create scripts and voiceovers using AI. The tool will soon be available in Spotify Ads Manager. A company spokesperson highlighted that ‘every campaign Creative Lab touches is highly customised to each specific brand and business need.’ Previously, a Spotify executive mentioned the company’s interest in using AI to generate host-read ads for podcasters.

Why does it matter?

The following move underscores the growing importance of personalised and engaging content in digital advertising, as well as the transformative shift in the integration of generative AI ads and Quick Audio introduced in the advertising world. AI enables more efficient and creative ad production, allowing for greater customisation and engagement. That benefits advertisers by enhancing their reach and impact and enriches the overall user experience by delivering more relevant and captivating content. As AI continues to evolve, its role in transforming advertising will likely expand, making platforms like Spotify essential in driving innovation and effectiveness in the industry​. 

French AI industry fears impact of proposed immigration cuts

Leading figures in France’s tech industry have expressed concern that immigration restrictions proposed by the far-right National Rally (RN) party could hinder the nation’s ambition to become Europe’s top AI hub. Following significant losses for his Renaissance party in the European Parliament election, President Emmanuel Macron has called for snap elections in the lower house, set for 30 June and 7 July.

Macron has prioritised support for domestic tech companies by easing hiring from abroad, lobbying against stringent EU regulations, and attracting investments from giants like Amazon and Microsoft. However, the RN, expected to win the most seats in the upcoming election, aims to reduce migrant worker numbers and increase scrutiny on foreign investments, which tech executives fear will undermine AI advancements.

Julien Launay, CEO of AI startup Adaptive ML, emphasised that skilled immigration is crucial for bringing talent to France, noting that many skilled professionals start as students and interns before entering the workforce. Camille Lemardeley, general director of the education startup Superprof, warned that the RN’s policies could create a less welcoming environment for international professionals, potentially stifling innovation and competitiveness across the tech sector.

Hugo Weber, head of public affairs at e-commerce firm Mirakl, echoed these concerns, stating that the RN’s policies could jeopardise France’s tech ecosystem by limiting access to global talent and venture capital. As France seeks to solidify its position as an AI leader, the proposed immigration restrictions pose a significant threat to the growth and sustainability of its tech industry.

Italian PM and Pope to address AI ethics at G7

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Pope Francis are teaming up to warn global leaders that diving into AI without ethical considerations could lead to catastrophic consequences. The collaboration, long in the making, will climax with Pope Francis attending the G7 summit in southern Italy at Meloni’s invitation, where he aims to educate leaders on the potential dangers posed by AI.

Concerned about AI’s societal and economic impacts, Meloni has been vocal about her fears regarding job losses and widening inequalities. She recently highlighted these concerns at the UN, coining the term ‘Algorethics’ to emphasise the need for ethical boundaries in technological advancements. Paolo Benanti, a Franciscan friar and advisor to both Meloni and the Pope, stressed the growing power of multinational corporations in AI development, raising alarms about the concentration of wealth and power.

Pope Francis, known for advocating social justice issues, has previously called for an AI ethics conference at the Vatican, drawing global tech giants and international organisations into the discussion. His upcoming address at the G7 summit is expected to focus on AI’s impact on vulnerable populations and could touch on concerns about autonomous weaponry. Meloni, in turn, is poised to advocate for stronger regulations to ensure AI technologies adhere to ethical standards and serve societal interests.

Despite AI hype, recent studies suggest the promised financial benefits for businesses implementing AI projects have been underwhelming. That challenges the optimistic narratives often associated with AI, indicating a need for more cautious and balanced approaches to its development and deployment.

Oracle shares soar on AI cloud demand

Oracle’s stock soared nearly 9% on Wednesday, propelled by surging demand for its cost-effective cloud infrastructure services, particularly from AI applications. The surge could boost the company’s market valuation by over $28 billion, adding to its current $340 billion valuation. With an 18% increase in shares since the beginning of the year, Oracle is capitalising on the momentum of its cloud infrastructure unit, which offers computing and storage services to businesses at competitive prices, positioning itself against major rivals like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon.

Oracle’s cloud infrastructure has garnered attention from AI startups, including Elon Musk’s xAI, thanks to its affordability compared to competitors. In a strategic move, Oracle recently announced partnerships with ChatGPT-maker OpenAI and Google Cloud to expand its cloud infrastructure offerings. That collaboration strengthens Oracle’s position as an AI platform and extends its database services distribution, as Evercore analyst Kirk Materne highlighted.

While Oracle’s forward earnings estimates stand at 19.59 times, lower than those of its major competitors, its fourth-quarter results missed expectations. Due to increasing competition from more cost-effective alternatives, the company faces challenges in its legacy database and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software business. Morningstar analyst Julie Sharma suggests that Oracle may experience customer churn as businesses undergo significant digital transformations, opting for cheaper database and ERP solutions over Oracle’s offerings.

Particle teams up with Reuters to reinvent news delivery

Particle, a news-reader startup developed by former Twitter engineers, is partnering with publishers to navigate the evolving landscape of news consumption in the AI era. By leveraging AI technology, Particle aims to provide news summaries from various publishers through its app, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of current events from multiple perspectives. That approach seeks to address concerns within the publishing industry about potential revenue loss due to AI-driven news summaries.

Now, Particle has teamed up with Reuters to explore new business models in a significant move. The startup has subscribed to Reuters newswire to enhance its news delivery capabilities. Additionally, Particle secured $10.9 million in Series A funding led by Lightspeed Venture Partners, with investments from media giant Axel Springer. These partnerships and investments underscore Particle’s commitment to collaborating with publishers to address their needs and goals in the rapidly evolving media landscape.

Particle’s co-founder, Sara Beykpour, emphasises the startup’s focus on delivering value to news consumers beyond AI summaries. With a mission to help readers cut through the noise and understand the news faster, Particle offers a personalised news experience while ensuring exposure to diverse viewpoints. By presenting news stories holistically and integrating perspectives from multiple outlets, Particle aims to combat information overload and mitigate media bias.

Why does it matter?

Despite its innovative approach, Particle has yet to finalise its business model. The startup actively engages with publishers to develop a sustainable model that benefits readers and publishers. Possibilities include revenue sharing, advertising, and more, with input from industry stakeholders shaping the future direction of Particle’s business strategy.

Pope Francis to address AI ethics at G7 summit

Pope Francis is set to make history at the upcoming G7 summit in Italy’s Puglia region by becoming the first pope to address the gathering’s discussions on AI. His participation underscores his commitment to ensuring that AI development aligns with human values and serves the common good. The 87-year-old pontiff recognises the potential of AI for positive change but also emphasises the need for careful regulation to prevent its misuse and safeguard against potential risks.

At the heart of the pope’s message is the call for an ethical framework to guide AI development and usage. Through initiatives like the ‘Rome Call for AI Ethics’, the Vatican seeks to promote transparency, inclusion, responsibility, and impartiality in AI endeavours. Notably, major tech companies like Microsoft, IBM, Cisco Systems, and international organisations have endorsed these principles.

During the G7 summit, Pope Francis is expected to advocate for international cooperation in AI regulation. He emphasises the importance of addressing global inequalities in access to technology and mitigating threats like AI-controlled weapons and the spread of misinformation. His presence at the summit signifies a proactive engagement with contemporary issues, reflecting his vision of a Church actively involved in shaping the world’s future.

The pope’s decision to address AI at the G7 summit follows concerns about the rise of ‘deepfake’ technology, exemplified by manipulated images of himself circulating online. He recognises the transformative potential of AI in the 21st century and seeks to ensure its development aligns with human dignity and social justice. Through his participation, Pope Francis aims to contribute to the creation of an ethical and regulatory framework that promotes the responsible use of AI for the benefit of all humanity.