Data, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Democracy

Digital technology has significantly reshaped political representation, electoral competition, and democratic accountability, further accelerated by the rapid advancement in generative artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithmic information processing. Over the past two decades, research at the intersection of political parties and digitalization has burgeoned. A key focus has centered on political communication during elections, and more recently the use of Data Driven Campaigning (Dommett et al., 2023; Gibson, 2023), as well as the evolution of digital parties exploring innovations in party organization and decision-making processes (Gerbaudo, 2019; Barberà et al., 2021). However, the broader implications of digital transformation, such as the influence of ideologies on public policies or the democratization of e-governance at the local level have been underexplored. Another unexplored field is the rapid development of AI and its implications for core democratic institutions and democracy. The emergence of AI technologies presents an array of challenges and opportunities, necessitating a comprehensive examination of their impact on democratic institutions, public discourse, and electoral processes. We cordially invite paper submissions for our section focused on the relationship between digital technology, AI and politics within contemporary democracies. Data-Driven Campaigning Data-Driven Campaigning, including advanced data analysis, has become an increasingly integral component of contemporary party operations, impacting not only election campaigns but also day-to-day party functions, from member organization to management. This panel explores the role of data in elections at both national and sub-national levels, delving into its use for strategic campaigning, the integration of innovative tools, and the practice of microtargeting in political ads. This panel provides a comprehensive exploration of the challenges and opportunities presented by data-driven campaigning, highlighting its growing significance in shaping contemporary political party strategies, voter engagement, and overall campaign efficiency. The use of AI in Political Campaigns AI-generated campaign content is assuming an increasingly prominent role in elections worldwide, with candidates and parties now using it to design manifestos and online adverts. Much of the coverage focuses on the threats posed by the new technology such as dissemination of false information to voters through fake videos and images. Are such fears warranted? To what extent are parties really using these tools? Are there ‘hidden’ benefits that AI might bring to campaigns in automation and support for essential tasks needed as membership levels decline. This panel will seek to examine the extent of advanced AI in contemporary campaigns and consider both the potential pros and cons of its adoption. Regulating new forms of political campaigning in the AI age The use of AI in political campaigns is a growing phenomenon with both positive and negative impacts on democracy. While it facilitates voter engagement and strategy optimization, it also enables the creation or manipulation of (fake) content, the dissemination of disinformation, and the exploitation of personal data, raising ethical and privacy concerns. Urgent regulation is needed, but its implementation is complex. This panel explores the feasibility, effectiveness, and sustainability of regulating AI in political campaigns. It delves into (comparative) case studies of regulatory initiatives and their adaptability to AI use by political parties. Additionally, it considers the extent to which political parties cooperate with these regulations. Digital Democratic Innovations in parties and beyond Political parties increasingly adopt digital democratic innovations, spurred by the rise of challenger parties and the COVID-19 pandemic. While many democratic innovations are related to direct forms of participation (party primaries or internal consultations), others are also connected to more deliberative approaches. Many parties have developed digital platforms to facilitate online voting or deliberative practices. CSOs also are embracing digital participation tools. This panel invites papers examining such innovations and exploring their organizational and societal impacts. AI and governance This is a transformative era in public sector decision-making. AI systems are acquiring human-level capabilities, suggesting a future where AI supports or even replaces governance roles, potentially improving precision and efficiency. However, there are significant risks, such as the emergence of a "black box" society where decision-making processes remain hidden from citizens, the potential of ingraining social biases in algorithms, and the threat to privacy rights in pursuit of efficiency. This panel calls for contributions focused on empirical and normative research on artificial intelligence issues and governance, such as the relationship between citizens and government authorities, the fairness, accountability, and transparency of AI, its impact on democracy and society, and public attitudes and behaviors towards AI-influenced decision-making. Ideologies and Discourses on Digital Transformation and AI This panel investigates how political ideologies and discourses have been developing conflicting views of digital transformation and artificial intelligence. Political ideologies are a fruitful perspective to understand how views on digital platforms and AI reshape the identities of political or politically oriented actors. Relatedly, political discourses allow to gauge how different imaginaries about digital transformation support or challenge corporates’ innovations, regulatory agendas and organizational digitalization. The panel will explore how, and under which conditions, different ideologies seek to (de)politicize issues surrounding AI and digital transformation. Contributions will address the topic with particular attention to theorizing and assessing ideological and discursive variations among types of actors, geographical position (Global North and Global South), models of economic and democratic relations. Smart Cities and Digital Democracy Smart Cities represent the convergence of technology and urban development, turning traditional urban spaces into hubs of innovation. Beyond technological integration, this shift extends to local governance and citizen engagement, fostering digital democracy. Smart cities use IoT, big data, AI, and sensor networks to optimize resources, improve public services, and enhance residents' quality of life. From intelligent transportation to sustainable energy management, these initiatives reshape urban environments. The true essence lies in how these technologies enable democratic processes, with digital democracy using digital platforms to facilitate citizen participation or informed decision-making. Challenges include data privacy, security, and equitable access. Resilient and responsive cities rely on collaboration among government, private sector, academia, and citizens. This panel explores these themes and their implications for urban governance at the local level.