Religious freedom in the age of AI and surveillance: mapping the field and charting future research directions

Abstract

This article surveys the current state of scholarship at the intersection of religious freedom and emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) and surveillance. It identifies key themes, theoretical frameworks, and methodological approaches in the field, while highlighting significant research gaps. The study argues for a more robust interdisciplinary engagement that includes legal, ethical, technological, and theological perspectives. It concludes with recommendations for future research that can better inform policy and protect the rights to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) in increasingly digital societies.