POPE'S AI ADVISOR WARNS OF 'CARTEL' BEHAVIOR AT BIG LABS

Benanti told WIRED that the focus on whether advanced AI could destroy humanity is distracting from more immediate concerns about how to regulate the technology. The Vatican's top AI official argues that major labs exhibit cartel-like behavior that sidesteps meaningful public governance debates. He contends that the hysteria surrounding artificial general intelligence diverts attention from necessary conversations about oversight, accountability, and democratic participation in AI development. Benanti's criticism targets both the concentration of power among Big Tech firms and the narratives they promote around existential risk. He suggests this framing serves to exclude public input on crucial policy decisions. The Vatican has positioned itself as an advocate for ethical AI governance, with Pope Francis previously calling for international AI regulation. Benanti's comments add pressure on major AI companies to engage with broader stakeholder input beyond investor and government interests.