Join us for a discussion exploring the possibilities and challenges of AI for Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) at the UK Parliament on 28th October 2025 from 19:00 — 20:00.
Presentations from business experts and FoRB practitioners involved with AI initiatives will set the stage for a lively and informed discussion.
The event is organised by the APPG FoRB, The FoRB Foundation, Faith@Work UK, and the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation, which is an official stakeholder in APPG FoRB.
Those interested in participating can secure a spot by emailing the FoRB Foundation here.
How AI Can Promote Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB):
Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds significant potential to advance freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) by enhancing access to information, fostering interfaith dialogue, and identifying early signs of religious discrimination. AI-powered translation tools can break down language barriers, enabling people from diverse religious backgrounds to access sacred texts, teachings, and interfaith resources in their native languages. Social media algorithms, when responsibly designed, can amplify voices promoting religious tolerance and understanding, helping to counter misinformation and stereotypes. Additionally, AI can be used to analyze large datasets to detect patterns of religious persecution or discrimination, providing early warnings to human rights organizations and policymakers.
Moreover, AI can support religious communities in preserving and sharing their cultural heritage. Through digitization and machine learning, sacred texts, oral traditions, and historical artifacts can be archived and made accessible to future generations. AI-driven platforms can also facilitate respectful interreligious engagement by curating content that highlights shared values and fosters empathy. In educational settings, AI can personalize learning experiences that include diverse religious perspectives, promoting mutual respect and understanding from a young age. When developed and deployed ethically, AI can be a powerful ally in building inclusive societies that uphold the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.
How AI Can Harm or Endanger Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB):
Despite its potential, AI also poses serious risks to FoRB if misused or poorly regulated. One major concern is the use of AI for surveillance and profiling, particularly by authoritarian regimes. Facial recognition and data-mining technologies can be employed to monitor religious gatherings, track individuals based on religious affiliation, and suppress dissent. Such practices can lead to targeted harassment, arrests, or even violence against religious minorities. Moreover, biased algorithms—trained on skewed or discriminatory data—can reinforce existing prejudices, leading to unfair treatment in areas like employment, law enforcement, or access to services.
AI-driven content moderation systems also risk inadvertently censoring religious expression. Automated filters may misinterpret religious language, symbols, or rituals as hate speech or misinformation, disproportionately silencing certain faith communities. Furthermore, the opaque nature of many AI systems makes it difficult to hold developers or institutions accountable for discriminatory outcomes. Without robust ethical frameworks, transparency, and inclusive design processes, AI could exacerbate religious intolerance and deepen societal divisions. Safeguarding FoRB in the age of AI requires vigilant oversight, inclusive policymaking, and a commitment to human rights at every stage of technological development.