World Council of Churches 81d ago

“So as church I believe that what we are doing is correct to raise awareness, to educate persons, to hold each other accountable, to ensure that the world is a better place for every single one of us.” Rev. Merlyn Hyde Riley Accountability and transparency must guide AI's Ethical development: Rev. Merlyn Hyde Riley, General Secretary of the Jamaica Baptist Union and Vice Moderator of the World Council of Churches’ Central Committee, acknowledges AI's significant benefits while raising urgent ethical concerns about its unchecked development. She highlights three areas. First, the threat of deepfakes and AI-generated misinformation, which increasingly blurs the line between truth and falsehood. Second, the role of biased algorithms in deepening existing inequalities and discrimination, with unpredictable long-term consequences. Third, a troubling lack of transparency in how AI-driven decisions are made — decisions that directly affect people's access to healthcare, education, and social services — with data being mined without adequate safeguards. Hyde Riley calls for broad, collective accountability involving business, civil society, and ordinary citizens working together to ensure AI development is guided by strong ethical principles. ------- The WCC is a worldwide fellowship of churches seeking unity in common witness and Christian service. For more information go to https://www.oikoumene.org​ Follow WCC on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/worldcouncilofchurches Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worldcouncilofchurches Twitter: https://twitter.com/oikoumene​