UNITED SIKHS Defends Religious Freedom Against Online Censorship and Discrimination
New York, N.Y. | November 13, 2025
UNITED SIKHS is deeply concerned by the growing number of social media account suspensions and content bans that appear to target individuals who express their religious identity, particularly faith-based communities. Prior to or at the time censorship occurs, the individual and groups receive very vague notices alleging they have violated community standards.
UNITED SIKHS is investigating whether these incidents are occurring despite full compliance with platform guidelines, which would raise serious concerns about algorithmic bias, discriminatory enforcement, and the erosion of digital rights.
Freedom of religion and freedom of expression are important, protected rights under both domestic and international law. We are here to protect the rights of all Sikhs and to support all religious communities’ right to express their beliefs freely.
In the United States, the First Amendment guarantees individuals the right to express their beliefs without government interference. Globally, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), affirms the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and expression. Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights further enshrines the right to “seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.” “These protections extend to digital platforms, which now serve as critical spaces for community building, advocacy, and faith-rooted expression,” states UNITED SIKHS’s Chief Legal Officer, Wanda Sánchez Day.
When social media platforms suspend accounts or suppress content without transparency or due process particularly when that content reflects religious identity, they violate these foundational rights. Such actions not only silence individuals but also undermine the principles of pluralism, dignity, and inclusion that democratic societies are built upon.
UNITED SIKHS is committed to defending the digital dignity of all people. We support individuals who believe their accounts were suspended or censored due to religious bias, states Ms. Sanchez Day. If you or someone you know has experienced such discrimination, we urge you to reach out to UNITED SIKHS because we must tackle any assault on our rights together, she stated. Our team will review your case, advocate for reinstatement, and, where applicable, connect you with legal resources to pursue redress under civil rights and anti-discrimination law.
To report a case or seek support, please contact us at contact@unitedsikhs.org or visit www.unitedsikhs.org. We are building a global coalition to ensure that digital spaces remain inclusive, accountable, and free from discrimination.
Expressing religious identity is not a community standard violation, it is a protected right. UNITED SIKHS will not stand by while voices of faith are silenced. Together, we will ensure that online platforms uphold the dignity and rights of every individual.
About UNITED SIKHS
UNITED SIKHS is an international, non-profit humanitarian organization affiliated with the U.N., committed to empowering disadvantaged and minority communities across the globe. Its mission is to provide support and resources to those in need, advocating for equality, justice, and human rights. Through various humanitarian projects and advocacy efforts, UNITED SIKHS works to uplift vulnerable communities, aiming to make a lasting positive impact on the world.
For media inquiries or to support UNITED SIKHS’ legal advocacy efforts, please contact:
Gurleen Kaur
Director of Media and Public Relations
📧 gurleen.kaur@unitedsikhs.org | media@unitedsikhs.org
To contribute to our legal advocacy and humanitarian work, please visit: 🌐 www.unitedsikhs.org/donate
