Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is advocating for a human-centric approach to artificial intelligence regulation, emphasizing that AI should serve humanity’s interests. This stance was highlighted during a meeting with Father Paolo Benanti, the Holy See’s adviser on artificial intelligence, at Kirribilli House in Sydney. The discussion focused on Australia’s AI standards and future regulatory priorities, underscoring the importance of maintaining human control over AI technologies.
Albanese has consistently echoed the sentiments of Pope Leo XIV regarding the safeguarding of human dignity amid technological advancements. The Pope has stressed that technological development should prioritize human welfare over financial gain. “Humans must remain in control over AI because the stakes are more than economic, they are social and moral,” Albanese stated, aligning Australia’s regulatory goals with the Catholic Church’s perspective.
Father Benanti, who has been advising the Vatican on AI since the papacy of Pope Francis, is in Australia at the invitation of the Italian Embassy. During his visit, he also addressed the National Press Club in Canberra and engaged in discussions at the University of Queensland. These meetings are part of Australia’s broader effort to establish responsible AI standards that not only protect human interests but also address the social and ethical challenges posed by rapidly evolving AI technologies.