By Father Paul Kam Po-wai
A couple of weeks ago, my WhatsApp was hacked. The perpetrator used artificial intelligence [AI] to imitate my voice and attempt to extort money from my contacts. Their method began with a message to my friends: “Are you free?” Some responded, some did not. The hacker then used AI to send a voice message in my likeness, saying, “Can you transfer HK$20,000 to my account so I can pay you back later?”
One friend remarked that the voice was remarkably similar to mine, but most recognised it as a scam and quickly contacted me. The impersonator did not answer calls. Some friends continued the exchange: the hacker claimed, “I am Father Kam,” or made excuses such as, “I’m reading the Bible,” “I can’t talk right now,” or “I need this urgently.”
Some friends, realising it was a scam, even replied bluntly. Because of the hack, several friends called to confirm my situation. Within 15 minutes, over 10 friends asked, “Has your WhatsApp been hacked?” This incident was deeply distressing, as I feared someone might fall victim and send money to the impersonator.
One friend suggested that using WhatsApp on my computer might have made me vulnerable and advised disconnecting all previous device links. That evening, while I was meeting with parishioners, many helped me work out how to respond.
A young member asked how to deal with an AI-driven WhatsApp hack. Among the recommended solutions was logging back in and enabling two-step verification. Fortunately, the issue appeared to be resolved, and I was able to resume communicating with my friends.
AI’s rapid and precise development undoubtedly advances society, making life more efficient and accelerating research. Yet, many criminals exploit this technology for personal gain. Much debate surrounds AI’s benefits and drawbacks, its ethical implications, and the moral principles required for its use.
According to Vatican News, Pope Leo XIV addressed a seminar on artificial intelligence on December 5, where he expressed that data and creativity alone are not enough; technology must promote healthy human development, especially among the young.
The seminar, themed “Artificial Intelligence and Care for Our Common Home,” was organised by the Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice Foundation and the Strategic Alliance of Catholic Research Universities.
In his address, the pope said, “Human beings are called to be co-workers in the work of creation, not merely passive consumers of content generated by artificial technology.” He stressed the importance of recognising and respecting human dignity in managing AI’s impact and highlighted our capacity to think, choose freely, love selflessly, and form true relationships.
Fraudulent or illegal use of AI is a major concern. Pope Leo also raised the issue of “human dignity,” insisting that AI should serve everyone, not just a select few, and has no future unless it promotes the common good.
Dear brothers and sisters, have you considered how we ought to face and engage with the world of AI?
