The rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on society is a crucial topic for the future of world democracies. In today's rapidly advancing technological era, we need to focus on important questions. Are AI systems, as they become more prevalent in our societies, a threat to our democratic political systems? Will AI machines take over the role of humans in making democratic decisions, or are there limits to what AI can achieve?
Advocates of technology and AI argue that increased access to information and machine learning can help address societal problems, including political complexities, more efficiently. They believe that machine learning algorithms can make better political decisions than humans. In this age of abundant data and technological innovation, these AI-driven decisions are thought to be not only more optimal but also faster, more rational, and less biased, serving the greater good of society. Consequently, some propose replacing the shortcomings of traditional politics with more efficient and effective AI data-driven approaches. Yet, questions persist: To what extent can these new AI solutions replace traditional political approaches, and in which areas? Should democratic politics shift entirely to AI-driven doctrines, or is there room for a partial collaboration between the two?
The Policy Dialogue will explore key aspects shaping the relationship between AI and democracy, addressing questions such as:
- How are Artificial Intelligence and Democracy connected, if at all?
- Is AI a challenge to democracy?
- How can we transform AI into a valuable tool that strengthens democratic structures worldwide?
The event will take place in the context of the Chair in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Democracy, established by the Florence School of Transnational Governance EUI, the Spanish Secretary of State for Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence, and the Institute of Democratic Governance. The project aims at conducting research, transfer knowledge, dissemination, teaching and innovation activities on matters related to AI and democracy.
The Chair’s Policy Dialogues provide a platform for representatives from academia, policymakers, officials and members of civil society to openly exchange views concerning the priorities of the STG Chair in Artificial Intelligence and Democracy within a transnational context. This third edition follows the Policy Dialogue "The Democratic Challenges of Artificial Intelligence" hosted in June 2022 and Artificial Intelligence and Democracy: Challenges and Avenues of Amalgamation hosted in May 2023 at the EUI.
Attendance at this event is by invitation only and all deliberations will take place under the Chatham House rule (no views or positions may be attributed publicly to any participant).