Combating Digital Misinformation That Threatens Sikh Faith

Religious leaders and tech experts convened Friday to address a growing concern in the Sikh community: the spread of misinformation about their faith through artificial intelligence platforms.

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the foremost authority managing Sikh places of worship and religious affairs in Punjab, organized the critical meeting with a specialized sub-committee of technical experts to develop strategies against AI-generated misrepresentations of Sikhism.

SGPC assistant secretary Harbhajan Singh Vakta explained that this gathering builds upon an earlier discussion focused specifically on artificial intelligence challenges. “The meeting provided valuable technical insights from experts, and we’re now preparing a comprehensive report for the SGPC president’s review,” Vakta said.

The session brought together prominent technical voices including Sarpreet Singh from Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Gurpal Singh representing Khalsa College, and Jagdeep Singh Mallhi and Satinderpal Singh from Guru Nanak Engineering College – all institutions deeply rooted in Sikh heritage and education.

According to participants, the primary concern centers on AI systems generating and amplifying distorted interpretations of Sikh teachings across social media and digital platforms. These misrepresentations risk undermining authentic Sikh principles and confusing both followers and the general public about core tenets of the religion.

The initiative reflects a growing trend among religious communities worldwide grappling with technology’s impact on faith traditions. As AI tools become more sophisticated and accessible, religious organizations increasingly find themselves navigating new challenges in preserving doctrinal integrity in digital spaces.

For Sikhism, a religion founded in the 15th century with approximately 30 million adherents globally, accurate representation holds particular importance. The faith emphasizes equality, service, and meditation on the divine, with the Guru Granth Sahib as its holy scripture. Mischaracterizations through AI can undermine these fundamental principles.

“The sanctity of our teachings must be protected in all forms of media, including emerging technologies,” noted one committee member who wished to remain unnamed. “When AI systems create content that distorts our beliefs, it creates confusion that can spread rapidly online.”

The sub-committee’s forthcoming recommendations will likely address multiple approaches to countering misinformation, potentially including education campaigns, technological interventions, and engagement with major tech companies. The experts have committed to ongoing collaboration with the SGPC on this issue.

Religious scholars observe that the Sikh community’s proactive stance mirrors similar efforts by other faith groups. Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and Hindu organizations have all recently developed initiatives to address AI’s impact on religious representation.

Digital misinformation presents unique challenges for religious communities. Unlike traditional media where content creation follows established journalistic or publishing standards, AI-generated content can be produced at scale without human oversight, potentially amplifying misunderstandings or stereotypes about religious practices.

Technology policy experts suggest that religious organizations may need to develop new frameworks for engaging with tech companies to ensure respectful and accurate portrayals of their traditions. Some advocate for specific content moderation guidelines for religious matters on major platforms.

Once the SGPC president approves the recommendations, the organization is expected to implement a multi-faceted approach to preserving Sikhism’s digital integrity. This could serve as a model for other religious institutions facing similar challenges in the rapidly evolving technological landscape.

The meeting underscores a broader reality: as artificial intelligence continues reshaping information ecosystems, religious communities must adapt their approaches to preserving and communicating their traditions while maintaining their fundamental integrity in the digital age.