AI can strengthen U.S. democracy—and weaken it

Overview:

This article was written by Norman Eisen, Nicol Turner Lee, Colby Galliher, and Jonathan Katz and discusses the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on U.S. democracy. 

• This article explores the potential of AI technologies to transform democratic governance while also highlighting the risks it poses to election integrity.
• It emphasizes the need for policymakers, advocates, and citizens to stay informed about technological advancements to harness AI's positive potential.

Key Quotes:

1. "AI could revamp election administration processes to make them more efficient, reliable, and secure."
2. "AI is already altering the way candidates conduct their campaigns and can democratize the public comment process.​

What They Discuss:

• AI's role in improving election administration by identifying anomalies in voter lists and reducing the time for reporting election results.
• The risks associated with AI, including phishing attacks on election officials and the potential for disseminating misinformation.
• AI's impact on election campaigns, including the use of generative AI for persuasive communication.
• Concerns about AI-fueled programs fabricating public comments and endorsements.
• The importance of safeguarding democracy against anti-democratic actors and autocrats.

What They Recommend:

• Monitor AI's role in election administration carefully to prevent fraud or disenfranchisement.
• Address the risks associated with AI, such as phishing attacks and misinformation dissemination.
• Leverage AI to democratize the public comment process and enhance citizen engagement.
• Develop strategies to distinguish AI-generated content from genuine public input.
• Emphasize the role of policymakers, advocates, and civil society in guiding AI regulation.

Key Takeaways:

• AI has the potential to improve election administration but requires vigilant monitoring.
• Risks include phishing attacks, misinformation, and potential bias in voter rolls.
• AI is changing election campaigns and public engagement.
• Safeguarding democracy against AI-related threats is essential.
• Policymakers, advocates, and civil society play a crucial role in shaping AI regulation.

Disclaimer: This is a brief overview of Norman Eisen, Nicol Turner Lee, Colby Galliher, and Jonathan Katz's work from The Brookings Institution. For complete insights, we recommend reading the full article.