A UNESCO report examining the current and potential impact of artificial intelligence on democracy, political life and collective decision-making. It explores the digital public space, Big Data, algorithmic governance and the opportunities and risks that AI creates for democratic processes, and concludes with recommendations for democratic AI governance.
Why it matters for ENACT-AI
Report on the impact of AI on democracy, algorithmic governance, and public decision-making.
Learning outcomes
Understand how AI can influence democratic processes and political life, analyse the role of algorithms and Big Data in decision-making, critically evaluate the effects of AI on public discourse, recognise opportunities and risks of AI for democracy, discuss democratic governance of AI, develop informed arguments about the relationship between technology, power and democratic participation.
Suggested activity
AI and Democracy Debate, learners analyse one of the four themes from the report, identify potential benefits and risks of AI for democracy, and prepare arguments for a structured debate on the question “Can AI strengthen democracy without weakening human political agency?”. The activity can conclude with a group proposal containing three principles for democratic AI governance.