Ethics in research is not just about following rules—it is an ongoing, reflective process that evolves with the complexities of the study. One Among Zeroes |0100| takes a situational and processual approach to ethics, ensuring that informed consent, participant agency, and ethical accountability are upheld throughout the research. Rather than applying fixed ethical frameworks, we recognize that ethics emerge through interactions, evolving digital landscapes and research choices that are ideally made together with our interlocutors.

As a Leiden-based project studying AI in Muslim Southeast Asia, we are acutely aware of the responsibility that comes with this position. Our aim is not to reproduce existing stereotypes, contribute to anxieties about Islam and technology, or lump together the diverse experiences of the Islamic world. Instead, we focus on how individuals and communities navigate the ethical dilemmas posed by AI and other emerging technologies in everyday life. There is no single “Islamic” approach to AI—our research highlights the variety of perspectives, interpretations, and personal choices that shape these interactions across different contexts.

Finally, we are committed to ethical data management. Our project adheres to international ethical guidelines (ASA, AAA, ABV) and GDPR standards, ensuring participant privacy, security, and ongoing consent. Anonymity remains standard practice unless participants request otherwise, and we engage in continuous dialogue with interlocutors to determine how they wish to be represented. By prioritizing ethical reflexivity, we aim to contribute to a deeper, more responsible conversation about AI and religion in today’s digital age.