The New York University hosted His Excellency the Secretary General of the Muslim World League and Chairman of the Council of Muslim Scholars, Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, for a lecture followed by a comprehensive dialogue with a select group of university academics and invited guests.
The meeting addressed several topics related to the use of artificial intelligence in promoting hate speech on social media platforms. It also highlighted the role of community institutions in supporting this discourse, with a focus on the religious role in combating it, particularly through examining its causes and solutions. His Excellency presented examples of these causes and proposed solutions based on comprehensive surveys and studies.
The event also addressed the most prominent challenges, opportunities, experiences, and proposals related to the topic, reviewing details concerning the automatic generation of content using artificial intelligence technologies to produce texts, images, or videos that may contain discriminatory or inflammatory content. It also covered algorithmic targeting through the analysis of user behavior and interests, and the directing of divisive and polarizing content to specific groups to increase engagement.
The event further addressed the digital amplification of content through automated and coordinated networks (bots and coordinated networks), which contribute to the spread of hate speech and misinformation. It also discussed the manipulation of audio-visual content using deepfake technologies, which can be exploited to defame individuals or groups and incite hostility against them. Finally, it examined the impact of digital recommendation algorithms in promoting provocative or extremist content due to its high engagement rates.
His Excellency commented, saying: “The use of artificial intelligence to promote hate speech raises a delicate legal analysis that involves striking a balance between ensuring freedom of expression within its legitimate scope and protecting society from inflammatory content, while determining the legal responsibility of digital actors and technical platforms.”
