Fred Petrossian

Digital Empowerment: Data Activism for Persecuted Iranian Christians

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Persecuted and marginalized Christian communities in the global south, exemplified by Iranian converts within their country, confront the formidable forces of AI and its core elements like data and algorithms. These communities face distinct challenges and opportunities compared to their counterparts in the global north. AI and data wield the potential to catalyze positive change for marginalized groups, including persecuted Christians, who endure various forms of repression and discrimination, spanning cultural violence (Joan Galtung), natural attitude (A. Schutz), and symbolic violence (P. Bourdieu). Firstly, it's essential to acknowledge the divergent priorities and needs between the Global South and North. For instance, while Western concerns revolve around data colonialism orchestrated by mega tech corporations, the paramount issue for many in the South is data sovereignty. The preference might lean towards mega tech firms holding personal data rather than oppressive state entities, which could leverage such information for nefarious purposes, including persecution. The accessibility of data to civil society is a pressing concern that must be addressed. Secondly, data serves as a potent tool for raising awareness. Disparities in resource and opportunity access based on race or religion challenge the notion of a natural order, shedding light on the entrenched inequalities within social structures. Thirdly, data enables critical reflection. By facilitating analysis of societal norms, hierarchies, and power structures ingrained in the natural attitude, it empowers communities to interrogate and dismantle oppressive systems. Fourthly, data fosters accountability. It can be instrumental in holding ministries accountable for their expenditures and ensuring fairness in financial distribution. Fifthly, organizing data resistance involves learning from diverse communities, as highlighted by David Nemer's concept of the "technology of the oppressed." AI can disrupt the status quo, challenging both state-level injustices and inequities within local church structures. It also enriches knowledge for Christians deprived of traditional church teachings, reliant instead on religious-specific organizations. In essence, AI holds the potential to amplify the voices of persecuted Christian communities, fostering resilience and resistance against oppression, both at the governmental and ecclesiastical levels.