Akal Takht to engage AI firms to clear misconceptions about Gurbani

Attending a Gurmat congregation organised by the Khalsa Jatha British Isles in London, Sri Akal Takht Sahib's acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj expressed concern over the challenges arising from new technology. He said that cases of fabricating wrong verses of Gurbani through artificial intelligence (AI) go against Sikh tenets.

According to the Jathedar, holy Gurbani is the axis of Sikhism and no tampering with it can be tolerated. He stated that renowned AI firms around the world will be contacted to check the spread of misleading content regarding Gurbani and history. Computer scientists and Sikh thinkers will be roped in for this campaign.

He also clarified that in the near future, obtaining approval from Sri Akal Takht Sahib will be mandatory for all technical platforms developed by the community. Besides, verified digital content, apps and AI platforms will be provided under the direct supervision of the supreme temporal seat so that the Sangat gets pure and authenticated information.

Speaking at the event, Harmeet Shah Singh, a leader of the United Sikhs organisation and associated with the SGPC's sub-committee on AI affairs, shared concerns arising from the use of chatbots. He said people use these tools to understand meanings, but sometimes these tools distort words, which are then forwarded on social media without verification.

Meanwhile, citing the edicts issued by the Five Singh Sahibs, the SGPC has issued guidelines for the digital world. Under this, showing the physical form of Gurus, their families, Sahibzadas and martyr warriors through movies, series, animation or AI has been completely banned, and orders have been given to remove such content immediately.

Jathedar Gargaj cautioned people to take help from Sri Guru Granth Sahib and official Panthic texts rather than depending on mechanical systems to understand Gurbani. During this visit, he also discussed with the local committee the difficulties faced by girl students and youths coming from Punjab to the UK for studies.

Key developments

• Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Garhgaz termed the wrong propagation of Gurbani via AI a serious challenge in London
• Plan to check misleading content by collaborating with global tech firms
• Certified digital tools and applications will be prepared under the guidance of Sri Akal Takht Sahib
• SGPC banned depicting characters of Gurus and martyrs through AI or films