The Rome Call for AI Ethics is a 2020 document that promotes ethical principles for the design, development, and deployment of artificial intelligence systems.
Issued on February 28, 2020, the call emphasizes shared responsibility among governments, institutions, and companies to ensure digital innovation serves human creativity rather than replacing it. It focuses on three main impact areas: ethics, rights, and education. The document emerged from efforts by the Pontifical Academy for Life to address both opportunities and risks in AI applications, including surveillance concerns and the need for human-centered safeguards.
Initial Signatories and Launch
The original signing involved the Pontifical Academy for Life, Microsoft, IBM, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and the Italian Ministry of Innovation. These parties committed to advancing an ethical framework that prioritizes human dignity and the common good. The launch occurred amid growing global attention to AI capabilities during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Core Principles and Objectives
The call advocates for algorethics, an approach that integrates ethical considerations directly into AI algorithms and systems. It highlights risks such as pervasive data collection in everyday services like advertising and transportation. Key themes include justice, subsidiarity, and the prevention of surveillance capitalism that could erode personal boundaries. The document calls for interdisciplinary collaboration to embed these values across sectors.
Focus on Human Dignity
Central to the call is the requirement that AI must not decide autonomously on matters of right and wrong. Instead, systems should support human decision-making while respecting individual rights and societal well-being.
University Summits and Institutional Adoption
A global university summit held in October 2022 at the University of Notre Dame brought together representatives from 36 institutions. Eight universities formally signed the call during the event, including SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities. Discussions covered curriculum integration, faculty incentives for ethics research, and partnerships with accrediting bodies. The summit also featured presentations on topics such as ethics-based auditing and trustworthy AI policies.
Interfaith and International Expansion
Subsequent signings have extended the call beyond its original participants. In 2023, representatives of the three Abrahamic religions participated in an interfaith ceremony in Rome. Additional events include agreements with peace organizations and roundtables at UNESCO on plural intelligences and agentic AI. The RenAIssance Foundation continues to coordinate activities that apply the call's principles in areas such as health, agriculture, and conflict prevention.
Ongoing Relevance and Resources
The initiative maintains an active presence through its official site, where updates on new signatories and events are posted. Universities and organizations can access materials to adapt the principles for local contexts, such as policy development in regions like the Philippines. The call remains a reference point for aligning AI progress with long-term human values.
Sources
- Looking Back at the Rome Call for AI Ethics: A Global ...
- Rome Call | What is the Matter with AI Ethics?
- Rome Call for AI Ethics: Considerations for a Philippine ...
Recommended Resources: