A new ethics handbook, developed in collaboration with the Vatican, has been launched for the tech industry and big businesses. Titled "Ethics in the Age of Disruptive Technologies: An Operational Roadmap," the 140-page handbook emphasizes the need to consider the societal consequences of disruptive technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and digital surveillance.

It urges companies to prioritize human concerns and moral reasoning in their work, products, and services. Published by the Institute for Technology, Ethics, and Culture (ITEC) at Santa Clara University, the handbook includes a note from Bishop Paul Tighe, highlighting the Vatican's engagement with the project and its aim to bridge the gap between technology and ethics.

Bishop Paul Tighe's dicastery is responsible for instilling human values within a Christian context to advance Christian discipleship. The newly launched ethics handbook is a result of the Vatican's desire to foster a dialogue between the tech industry and the wider human community, recognizing the significant impact of technology decisions on shaping the future.

Targeted at corporate businesses, the handbook provides specific recommendations on various technology issues, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, encryption, security, data privacy, and digital surveillance. Its purpose is to guide companies in adopting ethical practices and principles while implementing new technologies.

Published by the Institute for Technology, Ethics, and Culture (ITEC), a new initiative of Santa Clara University's Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, the handbook is the first publication from ITEC, which was developed with support from the Vatican's Dicastery for Culture and Education. ITEC aims to encourage profound discussions on how technology affects humanity, bringing together leaders from different sectors and religious backgrounds to explore the impact of technology on society.

The introduction of the ITEC ethics handbook emphasizes the importance of building a better future by addressing ethical risks associated with integrating new technologies. It aims to serve as a valuable reference for a wide range of readers, including high-level business executives, legal counsel, technology ethics advocates, human resources executives, and managers responsible for product and service life cycles.

The handbook is authored by Brian Patrick Green, José Roger Flahaux, and Ann Gregg Skeet, all experts in technology ethics. Green expressed enthusiasm for providing organizations with a resource that promotes ethical principles, highlighting the potential to build trust, foster innovation, and create positive societal impacts through the integration of ethical considerations.

Bishop Paul Tighe's introductory note acknowledges the collaborative effort between the Markkula Center, technology and management professionals, and the Centre for Digital Culture at the Vatican's Dicastery for Culture and Education, describing it as an unexpected cooperation resulting in the creation of the ethics handbook.

The bishop reflects on his meetings with Silicon Valley representatives and their commitment to upholding high ethical standards in the technology industry, particularly in the areas of artificial intelligence and machine learning. He acknowledges their desire to serve humanity, emphasizing the importance of being human-centered, open, and ethical in the design and implementation of technology.

According to the bishop, there is a remarkable consensus among various organizations and companies regarding the ethical values that should guide technological research and development. These values include inclusion, transparency, safety, fairness, privacy, and reliability, which are not only crucial for innovation but are also reflected in the core values of organizations.

The handbook recognizes and respects the diverse beliefs and values of individuals working in the technology sector while appealing to fundamental human ideals and values that have garnered broad acceptance.

According to Tighe, the ethics handbook is intended to assist executives in integrating shared ethical principles into their company culture and industry. It aims to establish a consistent and intentional focus on ethics in decision-making and operations, and it will be updated and expanded based on user feedback.

The handbook provides a comprehensive framework for ethical considerations, anchored by the principle of acting for the common good of humanity and the environment. It outlines seven guiding principles, including respect for human dignity, promotion of well-being, investment in humanity, justice and inclusivity, environmental stewardship, accountability, and transparency.

The conclusion of the handbook emphasizes that ethics is about pursuing the good and benefiting everyone involved. While businesses cannot create an ethical society on their own, they have a responsibility to contribute to it. The handbook also includes information on how major tech companies approach artificial intelligence ethics.

The ethics handbook can be accessed through the Institute for Technology, Ethics, and Culture's website.