The impact of AI on religious freedom

AI’s dual impact on religious freedom: Artificial Intelligence presents both opportunities and challenges for freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) globally, necessitating careful consideration and proactive measures.

• The potential of AI and new technologies is significant, offering exciting possibilities across various sectors, including religious freedom.
• However, AI is already being misused for disinformation, fake news, and surveillance, directly impacting religious communities under pressure.
• To combat injustice and repression, it’s crucial to stay ahead by understanding AI and developing systems that disrupt immoral applications while strengthening the fight for FoRB.

International efforts to address AI and religious freedom: The International Freedom of Religion or Belief Alliance (IRFBA) is taking steps to explore the implications of AI on FoRB and develop strategies to protect religious freedom.

• In October, the IRFBA held its annual ministerial in Berlin, focusing on the implications of AI for FoRB.
• The alliance, comprising 43 countries, is committed to defending and advancing religious freedom for all.
• A joint communiqué was issued, affirming the alliance’s commitment to urgent work in this area, including establishing multi-stakeholder dialogues and developing impact assessments for tech companies.

The double-edged sword of technological advancement: While technological breakthroughs have historically brought numerous benefits, they often come with significant negative consequences that must be addressed.

• Human history demonstrates a remarkable capacity for creativity, science, and progress in technological development.
• However, the greatest advances often contribute to existential threats to humanity.
• It is crucial to balance the drive for advancement with a determination to guard against potential threats posed by these developments.

Challenges in a world of authoritarian regimes: The use of AI by oppressive governments to control citizens and destabilize the global community requires a strong response from free, democratic nations.

• Authoritarian regimes are constantly seeking new ways to subject and control their citizens and subvert global stability.
• Free, democratic nations must lead in technological developments, including generative AI, to counter these threats.
• There is a need to model morally courageous leadership and establish legal frameworks and safeguards around AI-powered technology.

Potential applications of AI for religious freedom: AI can be leveraged to protect and advance religious freedom in various ways.

• New applications can be developed to identify and predict threats to religious communities.
• AI can be used to recognize and intervene when content promoting hatred and violence is generated.
• Detailed mapping of threatened religious heritage sites can be accomplished to aid in their preservation.

Historical perspective on technological repression: There are parallels between current technological repression and past experiences under communist rule.

• Modern tyrants have more powerful tools at their disposal, making the challenge even greater.
• This generation of religious freedom advocates and governments has a responsibility to ensure AI developments preserve human dignity and religious freedom.

Looking ahead: Harnessing AI for good: The Article 18 Alliance is committed to addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in relation to religious freedom.

• The alliance aims to engage with vision, creativity, and determination to harness AI developments positively.
• The goal is to preserve, defend, and advance the value and dignity of all human beings, regardless of their religious identity or beliefs.
• Collaboration between alliance members is seen as crucial in taking on this challenge and opportunity.

Broader implications: As AI continues to evolve, its impact on religious freedom will likely become more pronounced, requiring ongoing vigilance and adaptive strategies from governments, civil society, and tech companies alike. The race to harness AI for the protection of human rights, including religious freedom, is just beginning, and the outcome will significantly shape the future of global religious tolerance and understanding.