AMRITSAR— Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, the Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, has issued a special message to the Sikh community and the youth regarding the growing misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to hurt religious sentiments. Expressing deep concern over AI-generated videos and photos that distort religious history and principles, the Jathedar urged the community to become digitally vigilant.
The “Report, Don’t Share” Directive
The Jathedar highlighted a disturbing trend where individuals inadvertently help miscreants by sharing offensive AI content to criticize it.
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Stop the Spread: He stated that when people re-upload or share objectionable AI-generated media on their own profiles, they fulfill the malicious intent of those who created it.
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Actionable Step: Instead of forwarding such content, the community is urged to immediately report it as “objectionable content” on the respective social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, X, etc.) to ensure it is taken down.
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Media Responsibility: A special appeal was made to web channels and social media influencers to refrain from downloading and re-uploading such content, as doing so further aggravates religious sensitivities.
Call for a National AI Policy
Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj extended his instructions to the Central and State governments, emphasizing that the protection of religious harmony in the digital age is a state responsibility.
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Stricter Enforcement: The Jathedar called on authorities to take suo motu notice (acting on their own) of such incidents and ensure swift, strict legal action against perpetrators.
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Policy Needs: He urged the government to formulate a solid AI policy that prevents AI tools and software from being used to generate content that violates religious traditions, history, or principles.
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Proactive Identification: He stressed that identifying and blocking such content before it goes viral is essential to maintaining social peace.
Technology vs. Ethics
The Jathedar clarified that the Sikh leadership is not against modern technology itself, but rather its unethical application.
“AI technology is not inherently bad; if used correctly, it can help build a better society. However, when it is used to violate the principles, traditions, and history of religions, then this modern technology comes under scrutiny.” — Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj
He concluded by calling for a collective movement (Lehar) among the Sangat (community) to act with seriousness and sensitivity against the digital distortion of faith.
