Scholar Warns of AI Threat in Disseminating Misinformation about Religion

IQNA – An Iranian scholar says artificial intelligence can be misused to disseminate misinformation about religious beliefs.

Speaking to IQNA, Ramazanali Bezrafshan, discussed the opportunities and challenges posed by AI and digital technology in religious studies.

Bezrafshan emphasized the transformative potential of AI and digital tools: "The digital space and AI remove barriers of time and distance, enabling global dissemination of religious knowledge instantly."

He noted how these technologies facilitate international collaboration and the sharing of religious teachings through multiple formats, from videos to animations.

However, he warned of AI’s potential to spread misinformation. "The same tools are being exploited to disseminate false claims and fabricated narratives about Messianic doctrines. We must use these technologies to counter such falsehoods."

He also highlighted the threat of AI-generated fake religious texts.

Discussing language barriers, Bezrafshan recognized AI’s ability to break down linguistic divides, enabling real-time translations of religious teachings: "With AI, even our voices can be translated instantly into other languages—an unprecedented opportunity to share religious teachings globally."

Meanwhile, he urged caution against AI’s biases: "AI outputs are influenced by the datasets it processes, which may include distorted narratives. Critical thinking and digital literacy are essential to discern authentic information."

“We must contribute authentic religious knowledge to AI databases. Without doing so, AI will continue to draw from unreliable sources, misrepresenting core religious concepts,” he added.

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