SGPC sets up panel to shield Sikhi  from AI

Alarmed by the growing misuse of artificial intelligence to distort Sikh institutions, religious imagery, and long-held traditions, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has constituted a high-level expert sub-committee to frame safeguards, monitor digital content, and recommend strict guidelines to prevent any violation of Sikh maryada (code of conduct) and guru tradition.

The move reflected SGPC’s deep concern over the emergence of AI-generated videos, images, and other digital material that misrepresent Sikh religious symbols, institutions, and beliefs, often hurting religious sentiments and undermining the sanctity of Sikh traditions.  

Recognising the potential harm of unchecked technological misuse, the SGPC has moved to proactively address the challenge before it deepens further.

The formation of the sub-committee was approved during a meeting of the SGPC’s interim committee held on October 13, 2025. The panel has been tasked with examining the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, particularly its use in creating misleading or objectionable digital content related to Sikh religion and institutions.

According to the SGPC, the objective of the sub-committee is to seek expert opinion on AI-related issues and prepare concrete, actionable recommendations to curb the circulation of content that harms Sikh religious values, guru traditions, and collective sentiments of the community.

To ensure a balanced and informed approach, the SGPC has included experienced professionals from diverse fields such as education, administration and computer science in the sub-committee. The panel comprises professors from universities and colleges, technical experts, and system administrators, enabling it to assess both the technological dimensions of AI and the religious sensitivities involved.

The inclusion of subject specialists is intended to help the SGPC understand how sophisticated technology is being misused, identify emerging digital threats, and propose mechanisms to prevent misrepresentation of Sikh institutions and religious imagery.

The SGPC has underlined that while artificial intelligence is a powerful and rapidly evolving technology, its misuse can cause serious damage to religious beliefs, traditions and institutions. The sub-committee will study the challenges posed by AI-generated content and draft guidelines aimed at preventing the creation and spread of material that violates Sikh maryada or disrespects guru tradition.

The panel will also suggest measures to monitor digital platforms more effectively and outline steps to deal with violations in a firm and practical manner. Based on its recommendations, the SGPC is expected to take further stringent decisions to protect Sikh religious values in the digital space.

The move sent a clear message that in an age of advanced technology, the protection of religious values remains paramount. The SGPC has made it clear that any form of digital tampering, distortion or misuse of technology that targets Sikh institutions or beliefs will not be tolerated.

SGPC AI checks

• SGPC moves to check misuse of AI targeting Sikh institutions and sacred imagery
• Expert sub-committee set up to frame safeguards against AI-driven misrepresentation
• Panel to monitor digital content hurting Sikh maryada, guru tradition, and sentiments
• Committee to seek expert opinion on AI-related religious challenges
• Focus on curbing AI-generated videos, images, and harmful digital content.
• Guidelines to be framed to prevent distortion of Sikh religious values.
• Recommendations expected to lead to strict and practical future action.