April 13, 2026
THIMPHU – The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) presents new opportunities to preserve and promote Bhutanese culture and traditions. However, unchecked use carries future risks that could lead to cultural distortion and the erosion of long-standing values that the country has safeguarded for centuries.
Today, digital tools powered by AI are increasingly being used to document oral traditions, national dress, arts and architecture, archive religious texts, and promote the Dzongkha language, among other applications.
On TikTok, for instance, AI-generated renditions of Bhutanese songs and AI singers in Bhutanese dress performing Bhutanese music are gaining popularity, attracting large followings as they present a unique dimension and outlook that humans cannot replicate. However, questions remain about the consequences of such trends for cultural authenticity in the future.
A major risk, many caution, is that AI-generated content often relies on global datasets that may not accurately represent Bhutanese traditions, leading to misinterpretations of cultural practices, attire, and religious expressions.
The Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development (DCDD) under the Ministry of Home Affairs views AI as a transformative tool with both positive and negative implications. The department stressed that while AI can support the documentation, preservation, and promotion of Bhutanese culture and language, there is also a risk of misrepresentation, dilution, and loss of authenticity if not used responsibly.
Mahesh Gajmer, a lecturer specialising in intellectual property law at Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law, said AI poses significant risks to Bhutan’s culture and traditions. “Sacred symbols, traditional designs, craftsmanship, and traditional knowledge can be misused in AI-generated content and commercially exploited without consent.”
He said this raises serious concerns around cultural appropriation, loss of authenticity, and the risk of eroding intergenerational knowledge transfer.
To address these challenges, Mahesh Gajmer said clear regulations governing the collection and use of cultural and traditional data are needed.
Additionally, he called for legal reform, either through the development of sui generis law (a law of its own kind) or amendments to existing intellectual property law, to protect traditional cultural expressions while ensuring protection against unauthorised digital reproduction.
An assistant trainer at the Traditional Performing Arts and Music Division under the Ministry of Home Affairs Kencho Wangdi, said he is worried about the growing trend of people using AI to alter the tune or authenticity of holy traditional songs that have been well preserved for generations.
“It would always be good to retain the originality of such songs,” he said.
Kencho Wangdi added that people nowadays use AI to change Bhutanese dressing patterns, which will definitely have negative consequences.
Karma Wangdi, Executive Director of the Film Association of Bhutan, said AI helps film producers in many ways—in terms of visual effects, editing efficiency, and cost effectiveness—but over-reliance on AI could hamper authenticity and dilute the unique Bhutanese cultural narrative.
“AI-generated content is a concern for FAB,” he said. “Some roles of local artists can be played by AI, and job displacement could occur.”
He said the concept is to glocalise, but when glocalising with AI-generated content, Bhutanese people should be mindful of their culture and tradition.
Recently, DCDD came across AI-generated photos of the national dress that had been depicted inaccurately. The department views such distortion as arising from a lack of contextual understanding embedded in AI systems.
An official from the DCDD said the key concerns regarding AI-generated content are: misuse or inappropriate depiction of sacred symbols and rituals, loss of cultural context and meaning, and unauthorised modification of traditional knowledge.
When asked how the country can ensure authenticity when AI promotes culture and Dzongkha, a DCDD official said this would be addressed by involving cultural experts and institutions in content validation and promoting responsible use and verification mechanisms.
DCDD said media and creators play a critical role in safeguarding culture and must ensure accuracy and sensitivity by verifying AI-generated content before dissemination.
While DCDD believes there should be reasonable restrictions, especially concerning sacred, religious, and culturally sensitive elements, the country currently has no specific guidelines addressing AI-generated cultural content.
DCDD agrees that there is a growing need for a dedicated policy or legal framework to address AI-generated content, and such a framework could help regulate usage, protect cultural heritage, and ensure accountability.
As a way forward, DCDD is exploring initiatives to raise awareness and build capacity on responsible AI use, particularly in relation to cultural preservation and the promotion of Dzongkha.
DCDD was the first to use digital technology to engage youth and the private sector in creating new culture-based funds from its existing cultural assets