A recent panel discussion brought together experts from defense, taxation, cybersecurity, and ethics—namely László Drajkó (Drill Software Security), Alessio Pecorario (Vatican), Imre Porkoláb (Hungary’s National Security Office), and Ferenc Vágújhegyi (National Tax and Customs Administration)—to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the public sector and wider society. Each speaker underscored that rapid AI development raises complex questions about responsibility and oversight.

Initially focusing on tax-related AI solutions, the conversation soon broadened to address how exponential technological growth impacts governance. Vágújhegyi highlighted the difficulty of detecting fraud and ensuring fairness, pointing out the continued necessity of human interpretation. Porkoláb, from a defense background, drew parallels with earlier revolutions—agricultural, industrial, and informational—emphasizing how AI’s pace could surpass human comprehension.

Turning to cybersecurity, Drajkó described how AI can be both beneficial and unpredictable, as even engineers struggle to grasp the inner workings of large models. This “black box” risk increases as AI systems grow more autonomous, prompting the question of whether humans truly remain “in charge.” The panel also touched on global tensions between major powers like the United States and China, and the role of the European Union’s AI Act in regulating such swift AI advancement.

Pecorario added a faith-based angle, citing Pope Francis’ discussion at the G7 on AI ethics. He advocated for moral and philosophical frameworks, suggesting they can guide us through the ethical dilemmas of digital transformation. Referencing authors like Aldous Huxley and George Orwell, the panel concluded that trust-building and responsible usage of AI are paramount—especially with “agentic AI” on the horizon—requiring regulation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and ethical standards to keep AI’s exponential growth in check.