The article discusses the dual impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on democracy, highlighting its capacity to both empower citizens and facilitate manipulation. A webinar hosted by the Team Europe Democracy Secretariat, featuring experts from various organizations, explored AI’s role in elections and civic life.
AI can enhance democratic engagement, as seen in Taiwan’s civic tech initiatives and Kenya’s digital election monitoring systems, helping to make political discourse more inclusive. However, it also exacerbates challenges such as information pollution, where citizens struggle to differentiate between truth and misleading information. This phenomenon, noted in elections worldwide, undermines public trust and increases polarization.
The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) emphasized the need for updated democratic frameworks and a rights-based approach to AI governance, particularly highlighting the geopolitical dynamics in AI development that often neglect democratic oversight, putting the Global South at risk.
Case studies from Indonesia, Mexico, and South Africa illustrate AI’s impact, from targeted online harassment in Indonesia to collaborative fact-checking efforts in Mexico and South Africa, which reveal limitations in voluntary tech platform agreements.
To address these challenges, the article advocates for robust regulation, enhanced digital literacy, and international cooperation to ensure ethical AI deployment and protect democratic integrity. A balanced approach is essential to harness AI’s benefits while mitigating risks, aiming to reinforce democracy and empower citizens effectively.
