Religious Freedom in the Age of Emerging Technologies

Fides et Libertas Conference 2026

Religious Freedom in the Age of Emerging Technologies

11–12 November 2026 | Newbold College of Higher Education, United Kingdom

How is technology changing our freedom to believe, think and express our faith?

Artificial intelligence, facial recognition, digital surveillance and increasingly sophisticated algorithms are transforming the way we live. They influence what information we encounter, how our personal data is collected and how we engage with the world around us.

But what do these developments mean for freedom of religion or belief?

The Fides et Libertas Conference 2026, organised by the International Religious Liberty Association (IRLA) and hosted at Newbold College of Higher Education, brings together scholars, experts, educators, pastors, students and other interested participants to explore one of the defining challenges of our digital age.

Over two days, the conference will examine how emerging technologies are reshaping religious freedom, individual conscience, privacy and human dignity, while exploring how innovation can be guided by ethical principles and respect for fundamental human rights.

What will the conference explore?

The conference will address five interconnected themes:

Surveillance and religious expression: How might digital monitoring influence people's willingness to express or practise their beliefs?

Algorithmic bias and religious information: How do search engines, recommendation systems and content moderation shape the visibility of different religious perspectives?

Privacy and religious data: What happens when sensitive information about religious beliefs and practices is collected, analysed or shared without appropriate safeguards?

Artificial intelligence and freedom of thought: How might personalised digital environments influence the formation of beliefs, values and individual convictions?

Technology governance and human rights: How can ethical and regulatory frameworks protect freedom of religion or belief while supporting responsible technological development?

Through presentations and discussions, participants will examine the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies and consider approaches that uphold human dignity, pluralism, non-discrimination and freedom of conscience.

Who should attend?

The conference welcomes:

Students interested in theology, technology, ethics, law, public policy and human rights.

Pastors and religious leaders navigating the implications of digital technologies for faith communities.

Educators, researchers and scholars exploring religious freedom, society and emerging technologies.

Anyone interested in the relationship between technological innovation and fundamental human rights.

No specialist technical knowledge is required to participate in the conversation.

Why attend?

This conference offers an opportunity to engage with important contemporary questions, hear perspectives from scholars and practitioners, and contribute to discussions about protecting fundamental freedoms in an increasingly digital world.

Participants will have opportunities to exchange ideas, consider different perspectives and develop a deeper understanding of the ethical and societal questions raised by emerging technologies.

Conference information

Dates: Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 November 2026

Time: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm each day

Venue: Newbold College of Higher Education, St Mark's Road, Binfield, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG42 4AN, United Kingdom

Admission: Free, with registration required.

The conference programme includes morning and afternoon sessions, with scheduled breaks and a lunch interval.

Lunch planning: Please indicate during registration whether you intend to stay for lunch on either day. This will help the organisers make appropriate catering arrangements.

Places are subject to venue capacity.

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included in conference registration and must be arranged separately.

Newbold College may have accommodation available on campus, subject to availability. Participants wishing to stay at Newbold are encouraged to contact the College directly to enquire about availability, rates and booking arrangements.

For accommodation enquiries:

Email: info@newbold.ac.uk

Telephone: +44 (0)1344 407407

Please mention the Fides et Libertas Conference when making your enquiry.

Accommodation is not guaranteed and bookings must be confirmed directly with Newbold College.

About the organisers

International Religious Liberty Association (IRLA)

The International Religious Liberty Association works to promote and defend freedom of religion or belief and to encourage understanding and dialogue around this fundamental human right.

More information: www.irla.org (http://www.irla.org/)

Newbold College of Higher Education

Newbold College of Higher Education is a Christian higher education institution located in Berkshire, United Kingdom. The College pr

Description supplied by the event organiser.