Vatican AI adviser cautions Australia against copyright changes that could enable foreign AI exploitation
Father Paolo Benanti, an AI adviser to Pope Leo, warned that Australia’s proposed copyright reforms allowing AI training on copyrighted works could create a new form of colonialism by funneling profits abroad.
During a visit hosted by the Italian Embassy, Father Paolo Benanti, who advises Pope Leo on artificial intelligence, warned that allowing AI companies to train on copyrighted Australian works without owners’ consent could amount to a new colonial exploitation, with revenues flowing overseas. He likened the scenario to past European extraction of resources from other regions. Benanti praised Australia’s recent regulatory moves, such as the teenage social-media ban, and urged other nations to follow suit.
The warning follows reports that the Attorney-General’s department is consulting on a law that would let AI firms use copyrighted content unless creators opt out, even though Attorney-General Michelle Rowland has said there are no plans to dilute copyright safeguards. Benanti also highlighted broader ethical concerns about AI, including emotional manipulation and the need for stronger protections for vulnerable users.
Why it matters
The advice highlights how copyright changes could let foreign AI firms profit from Australian content without local benefit.
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