Conference Session Report
IPILM-Conference on the 12th of December 2024
The IPILM conference thoroughly explored the impacts of generative AI on various aspects of life. Our presentation focused on the potential effects of AI on democracies and political processes. Initially, we provided a theoretical framework highlighting both risks and opportunities. Risks such as disinformation, voter manipulation, and privacy concerns pose threats to democracy, while benefits like increased participation, enhanced political understanding, and more efficient policymaking could strengthen democratic systems. Another aspect of our presentation was the perspectives of Indian and German students on AIs role in democracies, gathered through a small study. The study revealed that participants mainly perceived risks, with around 93% supporting stricter regulations for AI in political campaigns. However, our sample size of 39 participants was very small, making generalizations difficult.
Discussion
The topic of politics and democracy continues to resonate with many young people. Culturally divergent understandings of these concepts were reflected in several contributions and in our small study. Broadly speaking, the questions and discussions can be grouped into three thematic groups:
• Risks such as fake news and distrust, particularly regarding political campaigns and elections.
• Potentials including greater participation in political processes and the strengthening of democratic systems.
• Questions about possible cultural differences in our study concerning attitudes towards democracy and AI.
Our study revealed potential cultural differences in the evaluation of AI. While there was general agreement on the need for AI regulation, differences emerged regarding the perception of transparency: 45% of Indian students noted a lack of transparency, compared to 72% on the German side. It was debated whether these results stemmed from cultural differences or the small sample size. The discussion then shifted to the risks of AI in democratic processes, with a focus on distrust toward political actors and institutions. AI has introduced numerous possibilities for voter manipulation and the production of fake news. Examples in this instance included the U.S. presidential campaigns and local elections in India. We emphasized that supranational or even international agreements are essential to achieve transparency in AI usage. This, along with other measures, is crucial for rebuilding trust in AI and political actors, ultimately benefiting democracy.
Literature from our session:
Manheim, Karl & Kaplan, Lyric (2019): Artificial Intelligence: Risks to Privacy and Democracy. In: Yale Journal of Law & Technology (106). Yale University
Landemore, Helene (2023): Fostering more inclusive democracy with AI. International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Council of Europe (2024): The Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence. Straßbourg: Council of Europe.
Kerry, F.; Meltzer, J.; Renda, A.; Engler, A.; Fanni, R. (2021): Strengthening international cooperation on AI. Available Online: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/strengthening-international-cooperation-on-ai/, last visited 25.11.24
Interesting case studies
UNRIC (2024): Can artificial intelligence (AI) influence elections? Available online: https://unric.org/en/can-artificial-intelligence-ai-influence-elections/, last visited 25.11.24
Jauhar, A. (2020): Facing up to the Risks of Automated Facial-Recognition Technologies in Indian Law Enforcement," Indian Journal of Law and Technology: Vol. 16: Iss. 1, Article 1.