Ethical principles for the use of artificial intelligence

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in the South American Division recognizes that artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly significant role in various areas of society, including religion. AI not only affects how human tasks are performed but also influences how we learn or perceive reality, how we relate to others, ourselves, and God.

AI should not replace human connection and individual spiritual guidance. It should be viewed as a complementary and auxiliary tool, capable of providing information and insights, but not as a substitute for human wisdom and empathy.

Scope of the Document

This document proposes to establish fundamental ethical principles that represent the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s perspective on the topic of artificial intelligence.

The document is not intended to specify criteria for all forms of AI use within the Adventist organization. Adventist denominational entities will need to create guidelines focused on their specific areas of operation, but these should be grounded in the principles outlined in this document.

It is suggested that areas such as education, health, technology, publishing, food industries, etc., establish internal committees to define criteria for the use of AI in their specific fields.

Although generative AI is receiving greater attention at the time of writing this document, the ethical principles presented can be applied to all its areas.

Ethical Framework

Principles	Synonyms
Transparency	Explainability, comprehensibility, interpretability, communication, disclosure, demonstration
Fairness and Equity	Impartiality, equity, consistency, inclusion, equality, (non) bias, (non) discrimination, diversity, plurality, accessibility, reversibility, remedy, reparation, challenge, access, and distribution
Reliability	Veracity
Accountability	Acting with integrity
Security and Privacy	Information protection and privacy
Sustainability	Sustainability, environment (nature), resources (energy)

Ethical Principles

1. Transparency

The use of AI systems by the Church needs to be informed and understood by both those who create them and those who use this technology.

Ethical principle of transparency for the use of artificial intelligence by the Seventh-day Adventist Church:

The Church is committed to being transparent about the use of artificial intelligence in its activities. This includes providing clear and accessible information to members of the Adventist community and society at large about the areas in which AI is applied, the intended objectives, and the possible impacts within the religious context.

2. Fairness and Equity

The presence of bias in AI systems can result in discrimination and unfair or unequal treatment of individuals or groups based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, age, or ethnic origin. This can have serious implications in various areas.

AI systems should be compatible with the biblical-Adventist worldview, ensuring equity and avoiding discrimination. Therefore, it is recommended that algorithms be developed and trained appropriately, taking into account theological, ethical, and legal principles to mitigate the risks of hallucination and bias.

Ethical principle of fairness and equity for the use of artificial intelligence by the Seventh-day Adventist Church:

1. Promotion of justice. The Church is committed to using artificial intelligence fairly and promoting a more equitable environment through all its activities. This involves ensuring that AI systems are designed and used in ways that do not perpetuate social inequalities, discrimination, or exclusion. The Church is committed to identifying and mitigating any biases in AI algorithms that may lead to unfair decisions or unequal treatment. Additionally, it strives to ensure that all members of the Adventist community and society as a whole are treated equitably, regardless of their ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or any other personal characteristic.
2. Inclusion and equal access. The Church values the biblical principle of human dignity and seeks to ensure that the use of AI is accessible to all members of the Adventist community. This includes considering the needs and abilities of individuals with different capacities, ensuring that technology is designed to overcome barriers and promote full and equal participation for all. The Church is committed to providing resources and opportunities for all members to benefit from the use of AI, seeking to eliminate any disparities that may arise in access to or use of the technology.
3. Social responsibility. The Church recognizes its social responsibility in the use of AI. Additionally, it seeks to use technological tools and systems to promote humanitarian actions and help address social challenges relevant to Adventists. This may include using AI to improve assistance to those in need, promoting human development, and seeking ethical solutions to religious and social issues. The Church is open to receiving feedback, opinions, and perspectives from the community, as well as collaborating with other groups and organizations in joint efforts to promote justice and equity in the use of AI.

3. Reliability

AI systems need to be reliable in their use. The choice of data sources, therefore, must follow specific criteria.

Ethical principle of reliability for the use of artificial intelligence by the Seventh-day Adventist Church:

1. Accuracy and reliability. The Church seeks to use artificial intelligence accurately and reliably in its activities. This involves adopting algorithms and AI systems that are technically sound and produce more consistent and reliable results. Additionally, it seeks to regularly verify the effectiveness and accuracy of AI systems in relation to the specific objectives and purposes of the Church through its various administrative offices, institutions, and even local congregations.
2. Maintaining doctrinal integrity. The Church values maintaining doctrinal integrity in all its activities, including the use of AI. This involves ensuring that AI is used in accordance with established Adventist principles and beliefs. The Church is committed to avoiding doctrinal distortions or misinterpretations of the principles upheld by the organization resulting from the use of AI. It seeks to ensure that decisions and recommendations influenced by AI are aligned with Adventist theology, preserving fidelity to the Church’s teachings and values.

4. Accountability

Developers and providers of AI systems have the responsibility to ensure that systems are designed and implemented in an ethical, safe, and responsible manner. This involves considering the social, legal, and ethical implications of AI systems at all stages of the process.

Ethical principle of accountability for the use of artificial intelligence by the Seventh-day Adventist Church:

1. Responsibility for outcomes. The Church assumes responsibility for the outcomes and impacts of using artificial intelligence in its activities. This implies striving to use this technology ethically and in alignment with Adventist principles, including imposing sanctions on those who disrespect these guidelines.
2. Mitigation of bias and discrimination. The Church is committed to ensuring that AI usage is free from bias and discrimination. This means adopting measures to identify and mitigate bias that may arise in AI systems and that could lead to unfair or discriminatory outcomes. The Church is committed to promoting ethical practices in AI, ensuring that systems are developed and used in ways that respect human dignity and ensure equitable treatment for all members of the Adventist community.
3. Compliance with ethical standards. The Church values transparency and integrity in the use of artificial intelligence. This means adhering to the highest ethical standards in the implementation and use of AI systems. The Church is committed to promoting transparency in decision-making processes influenced by AI, ensuring that decisions are well-founded and accountable.

5. Security and Privacy

Protecting privacy, confidentiality, and data security is essential in any AI system.

Ethical principle of security and privacy for the use of artificial intelligence by the Seventh-day Adventist Church:

1. Data protection. The Church is committed to ensuring the protection of personal data and sensitive information in all its activities involving the use of artificial intelligence. This means implementing security measures and best practices to prevent unauthorized access, leaks, or misuse of data. The Church recognizes that data protection is a priority and seeks to comply with current regulations and standards in the collection, storage, processing, and use of data.
2. Privacy and confidentiality. The Church values the privacy and confidentiality of personal information in all its activities. This includes taking measures to ensure that AI systems are designed and implemented to protect the privacy and confidentiality of individuals, particularly in contexts that involve sensitive data. The Church is committed to obtaining informed consent when collecting and using personal data, as well as providing individuals with transparency and control over their information.
3. Safety and security. The Church recognizes the importance of safety and security in the use of artificial intelligence. This involves taking measures to ensure that AI systems are designed and implemented in a way that minimizes risks to physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The Church is committed to using artificial intelligence in a responsible manner, adopting practices that ensure the safety of individuals and the community.

6. Sustainability

Seventh-day Adventists strive for the preservation and care of the environment.

Ethical principle of sustainability for the use of artificial intelligence by the Seventh-day Adventist Church:

1. Environmental preservation. The Church seeks to use artificial intelligence in a way that is environmentally responsible and sustainable. This includes considering the environmental impacts of using AI in its activities and striving to minimize any negative effects. The Church values the preservation and care of the environment and is committed to adopting practices that contribute to the sustainability of AI and its resources.
2. Resource efficiency. The Church values the efficient and responsible use of resources in all its activities. This means striving to use AI systems that minimize the consumption of energy and other resources. The Church is committed to adopting sustainable practices in AI, seeking to reduce its ecological footprint and promote environmental stewardship.
3. Alignment with environmental values. The Church values the alignment of AI use with Adventist environmental principles. This involves ensuring that AI systems are designed and used in ways that reflect the Church’s commitment to the environment and the well-being of creation. The Church seeks to integrate environmental considerations into AI-related decisions and activities, contributing to a more sustainable and harmonious world.