The Silent and Invisible Threat of Artificial Intelligence to Democracy
Unlike cinematic AI threats, the real danger to democracy is the erosion of institutional oversight by routine automation processes.
While debates on the impact of artificial intelligence on democracy typically revolve around deepfakes and dramatic scenarios, the real danger stems from routine automation processes that slowly dismantle institutional mechanisms.
The Real Danger Beyond Cinematic Threats
The impacts of artificial intelligence technologies on democracy are generally discussed through cinematic extremes such as deepfake content and AI-powered military coups.
These dramatic narratives overshadow the reality that artificial intelligence will erode institutional decision-making processes through changes that appear routine and beneficial.
The Importance of Institutional Processes in Democracies
Democracies are bureaucratic by nature and require many stages before laws can enter into force.
These layers of institutional friction constitute the fundamental democratic checks and balances that prevent the concentration of power in a single individual's hands.
The Robodebt Scandal and Automation Risks
The Robodebt scheme launched by the Australian government in 2015 provides a concrete example of the potential dangers of automation processes.
This algorithm-based system led to erroneous debt notices, causing severe injustices and tragic consequences affecting human lives.
Increased Authority of Executive Branches
The evolving capabilities of artificial intelligence provide governments with an incentive to bypass traditional legislative processes and enact decisions through executive branches.
This situation paves the way for the weakening of democratic oversight mechanisms and the concentration of political power among global superpowers.