Note: The advent of artificial intelligence into human life has brought about profound changes in various domains. One of the areas most closely connected to artificial intelligence is cyberspace. Can artificial intelligence single-handedly take over the governance of cyberspace and remove it from human control? Does the introduction of artificial intelligence into cyberspace, alongside the advantages and conveniences it brings, also cause harm? In this regard, we spoke with Hujjat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen Saeed Sarrafzadeh, a member of the Policy Council of the Steering Committee for Intelligent Technologies at Islamic Seminaries. He believes that as long as the conventions and the production of AI algorithms remain in human hands, the ruler of cyberspace is humans, not artificial intelligence. However, he also acknowledges that the entry of artificial intelligence into cyberspace brings challenges and risks. The full text of Contemporary Jurisprudence‘s exclusive interview with Hujjat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen Saeed Sarrafzadeh is as follows:

Contemporary Jurisprudence: What tangible and specific impacts does artificial intelligence have on cyberspace?

Sarrafzadeh: One might consider three levels of AI intervention and impact in the world: 1) the physical level, 2) the conventional level, and 3) the knowledge level. Additionally, as we have come to understand artificial intelligence so far, its integration with fundamental elements such as high processing speed, big data, complex relationships, and patterns (pattern discovery) is among its main characteristics.

If we consider the entities and elements of cyberspace to be based on data (and if we regard big data as an independent entity, then in addition to data, big data) and conventions, it might be said that, at first glance, impact at the first level is unlikely, as it would have no effect on the elements of cyberspace. However, at the other two levels, it could be said to have several general impacts:

1. Acceleration of Processes: Particularly in processes reliant on pattern recognition, which often follow complex patterns that may not have been operationally feasible to identify until now. These patterns can span a wide range, from user behavioral patterns in various domains to patterns of decision-making impact and even conventions themselves and beyond. Additionally, producing counterfeit products—such as books, theses, articles, audio, video, and statistics—based on discovering patterns resembling reality can also be a form of utilizing pattern recognition.
2. Discovery of Hidden Relationships and Data: Particularly among various types of data, especially big data and complex relationships.
3. Impact on Facilitating New Conventions: And even, in the case of involvement in regulation, expanding, promoting, or imposing restrictions and styles of application.

Contemporary Jurisprudence: With the development and expansion of artificial intelligence, particularly in the realm of cyberspace, is governance and management of cyberspace even possible?

Sarrafzadeh: As long as the regulation of this space remains in human hands and the establishment of conventions and methods of utilizing resources is carried out by humans, humans can remain the primary influential factor in this domain. However, who these individuals are and how they exert this influence is another matter. It should also be noted that, more than the explicit use of governance and management tools—such as laws, criminalization, declared and enforced restrictions, and defined norms—the styles of application, incentives, and penalties aligned with undeclared norms and goals play a significant role in subtly shaping and controlling the space.

It is essential to recognize that the cumulative behavioral impact in a data-driven space that is growing on this basis is highly significant. Indeed, while nominal rulers, their decisions, and the manner of implementing those decisions play a considerable role in this space (as they do in the physical world), the cumulative effects arising from individuals (including data, relationships, users, etc.) may have the potential to profoundly transform this space.

If artificial intelligence is used to identify patterns of transformation and create a negative balance in favor of the goals of those who control this technology in a directed manner, it could be argued that, over time, it would consolidate the dominance of the hegemonic system in this space and counter opposing currents, even those quietly working to create resistance movements in cyberspace, bringing them closer to their objectives. From this perspective, it might be said that employing artificial intelligence could facilitate and solidify governance and management for the hegemonic system and oppressors who control this technology. However, on the opposing side, if faith-based institutions and value systems are not entirely overtaken by cyberspace, and resistance cores strive to keep critical information, communications, and their fundamental patterns out of the accessible and transparent parts of cyberspace vulnerable to adversaries—such that these parts cannot be retrieved or reconstructed by AI through studied similar patterns—then innovative patterns of activity in this domain can be advanced through faithful action based on discerning and fulfilling religious duties.

Contemporary Jurisprudence: Can artificial intelligence assist in the management and governance of cyberspace?

Sarrafzadeh: As mentioned earlier, the assistance of such tools depends on mastery over the foundations and influential elements in both the domains of artificial intelligence and cyberspace. Given that in a space of data, communications, and conventions, physical boundaries are irrelevant, regional governance based on physical borders faces fundamental challenges unless data flows and communications are controlled with tools and restrictions are imposed. In such cases, localized virtual spaces must be created, and governance in these spaces must be addressed separately, or governance tools must be considered or accepted at the platform level. Thus, it can be said that we are likely dealing with an integrated space dominated by systems that control virtual platforms and have the power to use specific cyberspace governance tools to control and direct this space toward their desired norms, values, and goals. If dominance over the constituent elements of cyberspace aligns with dominance over AI elements (including hardware, algorithms, application patterns, etc.) and there is no strong resistance movement or one that operates within the puzzle set by the hegemonic system, it can significantly strengthen their dominance over cyberspace. However, if the opposing movement, through vigilant and adept resistance cores, can devise and implement appropriate defensive and offensive strategies against the dominant mainstream flow, there is hope that the complete governance of the mainstream flow in cyberspace will not be consolidated, and over time, the governance dynamics may shift.

Contemporary Jurisprudence: What are the potential challenges and harms of artificial intelligence in the realm of cyberspace governance, and what should be done to address these harms?

Sarrafzadeh: Some challenges and harms relate to the entry of artificial intelligence into governance and the use of this tool by the hegemonic system and adversaries to consolidate and expand their governance, requiring an intelligent defensive approach where insight and adherence to faithful action based on divine duty play a crucial role. Additionally, challenges and harms may arise from the acceptance of application patterns and the promotion of styles by citizens, institutions, and organizations, as well as the use of artificial intelligence in areas related to resistance cores in cyberspace and the strengthening of governance in the face of balancing against the hegemonic system’s governance. The only way to overcome these harms is to focus on methods derived from authentic religious traditions, re-evaluate and redefine application patterns in all domains, including cyberspace, based on aligning secondary matters with principles drawn from the vast heritage of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), and strive to discern duties as followers of the Ahl al-Bayt and engage in jihad (in its broad sense) to fulfill those duties.

In this regard, one of the most critical tasks is to recognize the patterns and styles of application promoted by the current dominant mainstream, analyze and address them with insight, and strive to design and promote alternative patterns. Alongside this, finding innovative promotional methods (where attention to the promotional capacities of the heritage is of great importance) is essential for exerting influence to elevate the word of monotheism and servitude to Almighty God in this space.

It should not be overlooked that, while the speed of transmission and adoption of matters can be dazzling, the depth and permanence of norms, values, and so forth may follow a different process, requiring specific approaches and methods. In the prophetic and divine approach to propagation, there seems to be an emphasis on a comprehensive and sustainable growth process that ultimately encompasses human society, in contrast to the quantitative and superficial approach of adversaries.