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Navigating the Intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Democratic Governance: A Multifaceted Exploration

Democracy
Welfare State
Technology
P279
Atte Ojanen
University of Turku
Pascal König
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Abstract

The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents a transformative era for democratic governance, offering both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges. This panel explores the dynamic interplay between AI and democratic processes, providing a comprehensive analysis of how AI is reshaping the landscape of governance, public discourse, and policy-making. At the core of this exploration is an examination of AI's impact on the fabric of democracy. The panel addresses how AI technologies, from machine learning algorithms to natural language processing, are influencing public opinion, shaping political discourse, and potentially altering the balance of power within democratic institutions. This includes a critical analysis of AI's role in mediating information flow and its implications for transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in the democratic process. A significant theme of the panel is the ethical and moral considerations inherent in the integration of AI into democratic systems. Papers will focus on the potential biases in AI algorithms, the ethical dilemmas posed by AI decision-making processes, and the broader societal implications of AI-driven changes. This involves a careful consideration of how AI can be aligned with democratic values, ensuring that these technologies promote equity, justice, and inclusivity. Another key area covered by the panel is the regulatory and policy framework surrounding AI in democratic governance. The panel delves into the challenges of formulating effective AI policies that balance innovation and public welfare, addressing issues such as privacy, data protection, and the potential for AI to exacerbate existing social and economic inequalities. The debate extends to the international arena, considering the global implications of AI governance and the need for cross-border collaboration and standard-setting. Furthermore, the panel will explore the practical applications of AI in enhancing democratic governance, such as improving public service delivery, facilitating participatory decision-making processes, and bolstering the efficiency and responsiveness of government institutions. This includes examining successful case studies where AI has been leveraged to strengthen democratic practices. The papers contribute to our thinking about a future where AI is harnessed responsibly and effectively to enhance the principles and practices of democratic governance, ensuring that these technologies serve the broader public interest and strengthen the foundations of democracy.

Title Details
Creating Certainty Where There Is None: (Mis)representing Artificial Intelligence View Paper Details
General or Sectoral Regulation? Actor Preferences and Policy Integration for Artificial Intelligence View Paper Details
A digital constitutionalism framework for AI: embedding constitutive and limitative rules into AI architectures View Paper Details
Technology neutrality as a way to future-proof regulation: the case of artificial intelligence (AI) View Paper Details
Construction of consensus & division: Insights from algorithmic & human analysis View Paper Details