How AI will change democracy

Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to change numerous aspects of society, including democracy, in ways we may not fully understand. Recent discussions, such as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's AI Insight Forum and the Biden administration's executive order on AI, reflect a growing focus on the intersection of AI and democratic governance. This essay explores how AI is reshaping elections, campaigns, management, and the role of citizens, considering both the opportunities and risks inherent in these changes.

When examining AI's influence on society, especially democracy, it's crucial to consider four dimensions of change: speed, scale, scope, and sophistication. These dimensions show how AI can transform currently human-performed tasks, not just by enhancing efficiency but by fundamentally altering their nature. AIs trading stocks operate faster than humans, and AI-controlled social media accounts manage propaganda at a scale beyond human capabilities. Similarly, AI's role in politics, lawmaking, and governance will bring changes beyond mere automation.

AI has the potential to revolutionize election administration. It can streamline processes, enhance security, and ensure more efficient voting systems. For example, AI-powered systems could scan ballots faster and identify anomalies in voter lists or voting machines, reducing the time needed to report results and improving accuracy. In high-stakes elections, these efficiencies could help mitigate accusations of fraud, such as those following the 2020 U.S. presidential election.

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However, the risks associated with AI in election administration cannot be ignored. AI's ability to synthesize large volumes of data could enable targeted phishing attacks on election officials, jeopardizing voter and government data integrity. Moreover, biased AI algorithms could disproportionately target minority voters when "cleaning up" voter rolls, leading to disenfranchisement.

AI is reshaping political campaigns and how candidates connect with voters. AI tools can lower financial barriers for new candidates, assist in fundraising efforts, and create more effective targeted advertisements. These advancements could enhance voter education by providing tailored information about candidates and policies. AI could also be deployed to track harmful speech and misinformation, leveling the playing field for all candidates.

On the flip side, AI also amplifies the risk of misinformation. AI-generated political bots, deepfakes, and fake news sites have already been used to disrupt information ecosystems in various democracies. As AI tools become more sophisticated, their ability to manipulate voter behavior and polarize electorates will likely intensify, posing a severe challenge for upcoming elections.

AI's influence extends beyond elections, affecting the broader governance ecosystem. AI can summarize vast amounts of data, such as letters from constituents or public comments on policies, providing legislators with deeper insights. It can also assist in drafting legislation, as seen in Porto Alegre, Brazil, where AI helped write and pass a law. AI's capacity to understand complex legal texts allows it to identify loopholes and anticipate unintended consequences of legislation.

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However, this also raises concerns. AI-driven legislation could consolidate power among influential groups, leveraging AI's capabilities to manipulate laws to their advantage. Moreover, AI could draft particular laws that go beyond human understanding, changing the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches. This shift could further entrench the interests of the powerful, limiting democratic oversight.

AI's capabilities extend into the legal system and bureaucracy. AI-assisted systems can write legal briefs, provide expert opinions in court, and aid in contract negotiations. These applications can reduce costs and increase accessibility, particularly for those who cannot afford legal representation. AI's efficiency in administrative tasks could also streamline government services, making it easier for people to access benefits.

Despite these benefits, challenges persist. AI's potential to automate enforcement at scale—like spotting tax fraud or monitoring traffic violations—could increase false positives and unequal application of justice. Moreover, the widespread use of AI in legal settings might overwhelm court systems if litigation becomes cheap and accessible, changing the nature of legal proceedings and enforcement.

AI offers citizens new ways to engage with democracy. From chatbots that explain policies and candidates' positions to AI-powered moderators in online discussions, technology could facilitate greater public involvement. AI could act as a government watchdog, monitoring local meetings and summarizing outcomes to keep the public informed. Additionally, AI tools could assist citizens in navigating bureaucratic processes, ensuring they receive the services they need.

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However, these advancements come with risks. AI could fabricate public opinions or generate large volumes of fake comments to manipulate public sentiment. Such misuse could create a false appearance of consensus, pressuring legislators to act on fabricated agendas. This not only undermines trust in democratic processes but also degrades the quality of public engagement.

As AI develops, its impact on democracy will become more pronounced. The upcoming 2024 U.S. presidential election, among other events, will be a critical test for AI's role in democratic governance. Policymakers, technologists, and citizens must work together to ensure that AI tools enhance democracy rather than undermine it. Efforts like the Biden administration's AI Executive Order and the work of civil society organizations demonstrate the importance of establishing clear guidelines and transparent strategies for AI use in elections and governance.

AI is fundamentally a power-enhancing technology. Ensuring it distributes power rather than concentrating it is essential for democracy's future. Security is paramount; AI systems must be resilient against manipulation and attacks. Trust is also crucial—both in the technology and its application. Democratic applications of AI require transparency, accountability, and equitable access to prevent exacerbating existing societal divides.

Ultimately, AI will shape the future of democracy, whether it has a positive or negative influence, depending on proactive efforts to align technology with democratic values. Policymakers, technologists, and citizens alike must work together to build an AI-powered society that enhances, rather than hinders, democratic participation.