Catholic bishop calls for ethical use of AI by media practitioners

Peter Odetoyinbo, Catholic bishop of Abeokuta diocese, has asked media practitioners to ensure the positive use of artificial intelligence (AI) for quality news reporting.

Odetoyinbo spoke on Sunday at an event to mark the 58th edition of World Communication Day in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital.

The theme of this year’s World Communication Day was ‘Artificial intelligence and the wisdom of the heart: Towards a fully human communication’.

Odetoyinbo noted that the media is very critical to society in building stronger human communication.

The bishop urged media practitioners to use technology in a way that would not cause harm to society.

Also speaking, Greg Fadele, director of social communication for the diocese, reiterated Pope Francis’ position on the use of AI, noting that the church welcomes it as a tool for “acculturation,”  which must not be abused.

Fadele said the church must utilise technology to advance its mission, adding that all media technologies are God’s gifts.

He encouraged media practitioners to carry out their duties professionally and avoid using AI to spread disinformation.

Also speaking, Niran Malaolu, chief executive officer (CEO) of Rock City FM, commended the diocese for a well-thought-out event.

The veteran journalist said such an event was one he looked forward to every year.