Kazakhstan’s top muslim body issues ruling on deepfakes

The Spiritual Administration of Kazakhstan’s Muslims (SAKM) has issued a fatwa addressing the use of deepfake technology.

What are deepfakes?

Deepfakes are a form of artificial intelligence that can create or manipulate video and audio content. The technology can distort a person’s voice, alter facial expressions, or make it appear that someone said or did something that never occurred.

Religious perspective on technology

According to SAKM, Islam does not prohibit scientific or technological development or the discovery of new innovations. However, such progress must be grounded in justice and morality and remain within the principles of Sharia.

Prohibition on deception

«Sharia prohibits the dissemination of false information and the deception of people by making a person say words they did not actually say or perform actions they did not commit,» the administration’s religious experts concluded.