In the rapidly evolving digital age, artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping many facets of life, including the political arena. Its accelerated proliferation poses significant challenges to democratic processes worldwide. For example, AI-driven algorithms are increasingly influencing public opinion and political discourse through social media platforms, sometimes amplifying misinformation and polarizing content. Additionally, AI technologies are being used to enhance surveillance capabilities, raising concerns about privacy and civil liberties.
Earlier this month at the Reuters NEXT conference in New York, some experts warned about the obvious threat of AI in this arena and how its rapid expansion could be a threat to democracy.
“The biggest immediate risk is the threat to democracy…there are a lot of elections around the world in 2024, and the chance that none of them will be swung by deep fakes and things like that is almost zero,” said Gary Marcus, a professor at New York University, on a panel at the Reuters NEXT conference.
These experts argue that the unchecked and opaque use of AI in public decision-making, information dissemination, and surveillance could undermine democratic institutions and principles.
Marta Tellado, CEO of Consumer Reports, revealed an investigation showing that car owners in predominantly Black or brown neighborhoods, located near mostly white neighborhoods, face car insurance premiums that are 30% higher.
“There’s no transparency to the consumer in any way,” Tellado said during a panel interview.
While Anthony Aguirre, founder and executive director of the Future of Life Institute, said during an interview at the event:
“We should not underestimate how powerful these models are now and how rapidly they are going to get more powerful.”
These individuals realize there is a growing concern that AI’s unchecked use in areas like public decision-making, surveillance and information dissemination could undermine the integrity of democratic institutions. The lack of robust regulatory frameworks and ethical guidelines around AI deployment amplifies these risks, potentially leading to increased misinformation, privacy violations and societal polarization. This scenario, highlighted by the three concerned, underscores an urgent need for global cooperation and comprehensive strategies to mitigate AI’s adverse impacts on democracy.
Featured image: Gary Marcus. Credit: C-SPAN
