Karlin-Stolin Bans AI Use Among Youth

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The Karlin-Stolin Chasidus has issued a set of strict guidelines regarding the use of artificial intelligence, stressing the dangers of unsupervised or inappropriate engagement with the new technology.

A letter to parents sent by the Chasidus discusses the nature of artificial intelligence, explaining: “Artificial intelligence is based on databases of billions of documents and various contents that are found throughout computer networks from all corners of the world. Recently, information systems have also been made accessible for private consumption with many options for asking and getting involved in any field in the form of a chat, which answers in a style that appears to be an elegant human response.”

They warn that these platforms are evolving rapidly and stress the need to approach them with clear spiritual boundaries. “These tools will only continue to develop over time in ways that are impossible to imagine. Therefore, it is the duty and responsibility of each and every one of us to learn the path we will take, to get used to using these tools only according to the fundamentals on which we are educated in the light of the Rebbe, who paved a clear path regarding the use of technology tools based on the principles: a. Content filtering. b. Correct form of use. c. Special consideration for youth.”

The guidelines emphasize that only filtered and pre-approved devices may be used within the community and set out specific directives for safe usage.

A. AI may only be used in a limited fashion, strictly for obtaining specific and necessary information—not for leisure, entertainment, or idly passing time, which can lead to spiritual decline.
B. Usage must be planned and time-restricted to avoid interference with one’s spiritual focus, family obligations, or personal development.
C. Users are cautioned not to place blind trust in AI responses. Critical decisions should be based only on guidance from qualified professionals or rabbinic authorities.
D. The community is warned not to rely on AI-generated halachic answers, even if they appear well-sourced. “More than once, he cites sources and quotations that do not even exist,” the committee wrote.

As for youth, the directive advises families to avoid giving smartphones to young people—preferably up until age 25 and even beyond—unless absolutely necessary. Even filtered phones, the document states, can pose serious risks to spiritual and personal wellbeing.

Specific prohibitions are also issued concerning teenagers.
A. Teenagers are not to interact with AI chats in any form—not via messaging, nor over the phone. This rule applies equally to boys, girls, and seminary girls, even if their parents are present.
B. If a question must be asked, it should be done by the parents, who may then choose to show the filtered response to their children only after confirming it reflects community values.
C. Seminary graduates who use AI tools as part of professional training may do so only under strict parental supervision, ensuring that usage remains solely for school or work purposes.

The letter concludes by invoking the Rebbe’s words: “Alongside all of this, we will remember the clarification of the Rebbe, Shlita, that all the restrictions and instructions are intended to help us not to drift away and not be dragged along by vanity…each and every one is charged with the great responsibility even towards his children and members of his household, to be careful of every precaution, and to behave befitting the legion of the King.”

Last year, a large number of Gedolei Yisrael forbade AI use overall due to the inability to filter out inappropriate content. Subsequently, Jewish companies have created filtered versions of AI chatbots, but Karlin Stolin’s policy seems to apply to these as well.