AI Awareness
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming many aspects of our lives - from education to work, and even the way we communicate. It is essential to understand how we can use this technology ethically, responsibly and for the benefit of people and the planet.
Advanced AI: Understanding the Risks
Reading the original documents - October 2026
In its filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Anthropic, the developer of Claude, describes serious risks associated with increasingly capable AI:
- Deception and control: models have shown unexpected behaviour, including attempts to resist shutdown or manipulate information.
- Dangerous misuse: powerful models could assist cyberattacks or the development of dangerous weapons; safeguards can fail or be bypassed.
- Development outpacing safety: using AI to develop more capable AI could accelerate progress beyond the ability to evaluate and safeguard new systems.
The company also discusses possible catastrophic risks from advanced systems operating without adequate safeguards. These are warnings about potential outcomes, not evidence that catastrophe is inevitable. Some reported behaviours involve testing or simulations.
Think critically: What was actually observed? Under what conditions? What remains uncertain? What independent evidence would help us assess these claims?
Original source: Anthropic's S-1 filing - SEC, 26 October 2026. See “Risk Factors” and the business discussion of AI-assisted development and “recursive self-improvement”.
Pope Leo XIV: Staying Human in the Age of AI
In his encyclical Magnifica Humanitas (15 May 2026), Pope Leo XIV offers a Christian reflection on how technology can serve human dignity and the common good.
Key ideas to explore:
- People come first: AI should support human freedom and responsibility, with safeguards against discrimination and exclusion.
- Keep thinking critically: education should help us question information, recognize manipulation and use technology responsibly and creatively.
- Consider the environmental cost: AI requires energy, water and resources. Innovation must also protect our shared planet.
Think and discuss: When does AI help you understand a subject, and when might it replace the effort you need to learn?
A Message from the President of the Republic
In his 2023 end-of-year address, the President of the Italian Republic offered a reflection on the importance of guiding the development of AI with ethical principles:
"Artificial Intelligence offers extraordinary opportunities, but also raises ethical and social questions. It is our duty to ensure that its development is guided by the principles of fairness, transparency, and respect for human dignity."
AI Awareness - Pope Francis at the G7
Summary:
- AI is a powerful and double-edged tool: it can support health, education and the environment, but also increase inequality and social control.
- Human decision-making must always prevail over algorithmic choices: no machine should ever decide about life and death.
- AI systems are not neutral - they reflect the values and biases of their creators.
- Pope Francis warns about the dangers of autonomous weapons and advocates for strong human oversight.
- He promotes a global ethical framework called "algor-ethics".
- Politics and cooperation are key to ensure AI serves the dignity of all humanity.
What Is Artificial Intelligence?
This short video offers a simple and clear introduction to Artificial Intelligence:
Watch: "What is Artificial Intelligence? In 5 minutes." (YouTube)
Activity: AI Tree Diagram
After watching the video, students are invited to create a tree diagram that illustrates the key concepts of AI introduced in the video. This exercise helps structure knowledge and visualize the complexity of artificial intelligence in a clear, creative way.
Want to Learn More?
Artificial Intelligence relies on huge amounts of computing power - but where is it processed and at what environmental cost? Data centers, the invisible engines behind AI, have a growing impact on energy, water, and emissions.
🔐 Digital Safety: Stay Protected Online
As our digital presence grows, so do the risks of cyber threats such as phishing, hacking, and fake alerts. It's essential to stay vigilant and adopt safe practices to protect your personal data and online accounts.
Here are some key tips for staying secure:
- ✅ Always use strong, unique passwords for each account.
- ✅ Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible.
- ✅ Never click on suspicious links or attachments in emails.
- ✅ Verify the sender's address carefully, especially for domain renewal or payment requests.
- ✅ Keep your software and devices updated regularly.
- ✅ Access your hosting and email services only through official websites, not from email links.
🛡️ At WSP.it, we are committed to raising awareness not only about environmental sustainability but also about the importance of digital responsibility and safety.