German bishops join child-friendly artificial intelligence initiative KI kindgerecht

The German Bishops' Conference has announced that it has joined the "KI kindgerecht!" (AI child-friendly!) initiative, which aims to make artificial intelligence safe and suitable for children. This step was taken based on Pope Leo XIV's call to defend human dignity in the age of artificial intelligence.

In addition to the German Bishops' Conference, Germany's largest Protestant organization and the association of children's websites are also part of the initiative. Georg Bätzing, Bishop of Limburg and head of the bishops' media commission, stated in an announcement on October 14 that artificial intelligence is already present in many digital applications.

Emphasizing that Pope Leo XIV gave the Church a clear mandate with his encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, Bätzing stated that children must be protected against dangers in the age of artificial intelligence. Noting that the initiative combines protection, participation, and responsibility, Bätzing recorded that digital spaces must serve the welfare of the child.

Stating that responsibility cannot be placed solely on parents, Bätzing expressed that they undertake a duty of protection in the digital sphere as well due to the vulnerable nature of children, and emphasized that technology must serve humanity rather than economic interests.

The Church in Germany, together with academics, educators, and relevant providers, is working on a child-friendly interactive AI code of conduct based on five core principles: reliability by design, respect for children's rights, age-appropriate participation areas, data protection, and human review. The bishops also stated that providers should be made obligated to comply with child-friendly standards, and called for permanent investment in media education.