TL;DR:
- The Skver Hasidic movement has prohibited the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and specifically mentioned OpenAI.
- This ban is part of a wider trend among ultra-Orthodox communities to restrict cutting-edge digital technology.
- Haredi rabbis have been warning their followers about the moral dangers of internet usage for years.
- The Skver community is now extending this caution to AI chatbots and image generators.
- The concern is about the potential risks and societal impact of AI’s increasing capabilities.
- The prohibition includes all forms of AI, even on phones.
- The Skver community is known for its traditionalist values and is based in New Square, New York.
- Other Orthodox groups, like Chabad-Lubavitch, have embraced technology.
- Hasidic communities that use the internet often employ “kosher” filters to block inappropriate content.
- Previous rallies urged Hasidic women to delete social media profiles and limit internet access.
- The rallies aimed to preserve religious observance but faced criticism for limiting opportunities.
- The ban reflects the broader concerns surrounding technology’s impact on religious communities.
Main AI News:
In a move that reflects growing concerns within the ultra-Orthodox community, the Skver Hasidic movement has issued a declaration prohibiting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and specifically targeting OpenAI, a prominent technology firm. The decision to enforce a blanket ban on AI is part of a broader trend among Haredi authorities, who seek to limit the usage of cutting-edge digital technologies. For years, Haredi rabbis have cautioned their followers about the moral perils associated with internet access, often advising them to install filters on their devices to block a wide range of online content.
Now, the rabbis of the Skver community are extending their concerns to encompass AI chatbots and image generators like OpenAI’s ChatGPT. This prohibition highlights the community’s apprehension regarding the expanding capabilities of AI and its potential to reshape societal norms. The decision marks a particularly significant step within the Skver Hasidic movement, revealing their deep-seated anxieties regarding the risks posed by artificial intelligence.
The declaration, penned in Hebrew, draws upon Biblical texts and the rulings of previous rabbis to argue that AI is susceptible to “abominations, heresy, and infidelity without limits.” The signatories emphasize the magnitude and scope of the danger, urging individuals of all ages to avoid falling into the trap posed by AI. The letter unequivocally prohibits the use of AI in any form, even through phone applications.
The Skver community, renowned for its traditionalist values, is based in New Square, New York. While other Orthodox groups, such as the Chabad-Lubavitch Hasidic movement, have embraced technological advancements, the Skver community’s stance underscores their steadfast commitment to preserving their customs and beliefs.
Within Hasidic communities that utilize the internet, it is customary to employ “kosher” filters that block inappropriate content, including pornography and gambling websites. In certain cases, these filters extend to a broader range of content that may divert users from their religious observance.
Last year, two massive rallies targeted Hasidic women, encouraging them to delete their social media accounts and relinquish their smartphones. Instead, they were urged to access the internet through filtered channels only when absolutely necessary. While these rallies faced criticism for limiting women’s access to information and financial opportunities, they echoed a similar event a decade earlier, attended by approximately 40,000 predominantly Haredi men at Citi Field. The purpose of the gathering was to raise awareness about the perils of unrestricted internet usage.
Conlcusion:
the prohibition imposed by the Skver Hasidic movement on the use of artificial intelligence, including prominent technology firm OpenAI, signifies a significant development in the market. This decision aligns with the broader trend within ultra-Orthodox communities to restrict access to cutting-edge digital technologies. As such, businesses operating in the AI sector should take note of this growing apprehension and the potential impact it may have on market demand.
It is essential for companies to understand the evolving dynamics and sentiments of religious communities to effectively navigate the market landscape and adapt their strategies accordingly. While some Orthodox groups may embrace technology, the Skver community’s stringent approach underscores the need for businesses to consider the diversity of religious perspectives and tailor their offerings and messaging to cater to specific segments of the market.
Furthermore, this prohibition highlights the ongoing debate and concern surrounding the moral implications and societal risks associated with artificial intelligence, urging companies to foster transparency and ethical practices in the development and deployment of AI technologies.
